The Mathews Memorial Library is constantly seeking means by which it can better serve the community. Currently, as at most libraries, in addition to making available reading and listening materials, programs are geared to serve youth and adults in a variety of ways – book clubs, music programs, etc. We recently became aware of a movement among libraries that focuses on the growing senior population in communities such as Mathews. This prompted staff to ask: (1) How does this growing demographic affect our library and community? (2) What library services and programming can we provide to target this population? And (3) What community organizations can we partner with to offer better service. With Older Americans Month coming up in May, now is a great time to think about how effective our library is at reaching our older adult audience

We strive to ensure that all library programs are accessible to all members of the community, but mobility and access to reliable transportation may hinder older adults from attending programs. Addressing this problem in a rural area is best solved through partnering with other organizations such as churches and social organizations to facilitate homebound deliveries of library materials or by creating outreach programs such as book clubs, reading to senior groups or workshops on subjects such as diet and nutrition. In the past, the Mathews library has been only marginally successful in such outreach activities; however, there is renewed interest on the part of staff in revisiting the concept.

A more targeted program is currently being considered. After researching a number of programs, we propose to offer support and a special service to individuals experiencing memory loss as well as to their caregivers. As envisioned, these programs are intended to encourage engagement and conversation. They will include such activities as story-telling, “arm chair travels” and the creation of special collections of various things - books, videos, pictures, games to serve to refresh or bring back memories. Such activities can logically be offered at the library or offsite at such locations as senior centers and nursing homes.

Embarking on this new approach to library service is challenging to members of the library staff who recognize the importance of initiating such ventures correctly. Avenues for training through Alzheimer’s associations or other groups is being explored to ensure that the program produces positive results.