Serving Seniors with Panache

Ontario Library Association Conference

January 31, 2008

The Human Comedy

“I know, of course, that everyone must die, but I thought an exception would be made in my case.”

- William Saroyan

Oshawa

• 152,000 population

• Automotive industry (General Motors)

• Part of Greater Toronto Area

• 2005 Environics study

Environics Study

Blue-Collar Comfort– Young, prosperous blue-collar families in

exurbia

Mobility Blues

-Young and downscale mobile city singles

Lunch at Tim’s

-Working class old and young in industrial towns and cities

Oshawa Public Libraries

• Largest library system in Ontario between Toronto and Ottawa

• Largest library in Durham Region which includes: Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Clarington, Scugog and Uxbridge

Oshawa Public Libraries

• The Oshawa Public Library enriches the lives and potential of the people of Oshawa - by connecting them to the world of information and each other.

• 1.3 million circulations (350,000 items)• 1694 programmes delivered to 35,556

customers• Strategic Plan 2008 – 2011

Teens, Young Families and Seniors

Oshawa Public Libraries

• 4 branches serving very different populations

• The Northview and Legends Centre branches serve the most seniors

• Very different seniors at each location

Oshawa Senior Citizens Centre

• Non-profit, multi-purpose community facilities

• Adults 55+• Promotes the health and welfare and

happiness of seniors• Empowerment, social interaction,

public education & advocacy

Seniors’ Demographics

• Different populations of seniors and needs

• Confident – “I know what I want”

• Time for Lifelong Learning

• Club Sandwich Generation

• Frail seniors

Relationship Building

• Community Bar BQ 2003 where the Northview Branch Manager, the Program Coordinator for Seniors and a senior user discussed partnering

• Change from the 1980’s!

Relationship Building

• Meetings at the construction trailer for the new Legends Recreational facility

• Centre includes 4 NHL sized rinks; a fitness centre; a seniors’ centre, a library and a leisure pool

Why Partner?• Fast growing population• Seniors have the most leisure time • Cultural content from Library• Shared facilities• OSCC is a gateway to Outreach for

the Library: Day programs, Foot clinics

British Isles Series

• Joint programming gained momentum in 2004 with a British Isles Series:– Robbie Burns Day– Valentine’s Day– St. Patrick’s Day

Northview

Valentine’s Day

• Can be a very lonely day for widowed seniors

• One program was organized by seniors themselves, supported by the OSCC, including poetry, drama, songs

• Last year, we celebrated 2 great loves: chocolate and books

• This year – The Fame of the Rose will be highlighted

St. Patrick’s Day

• Reading

Organizational Cultures

• All Library programmes are free

• Business orientation vs. client-centred

• Union staff vs. Volunteer-based

• General Public vs. Seniors

Organizational Cultures• Appreciate each other’s worlds• Reaching Jess Hann Branch

customers (OPL)• Reaching John Street Branch

customers (OSCC)• Supportive management

Seniors’ Advisory Group

• Bimonthly meetings

• Brainstorming around programs

• Membership includes OPL and OSCC staff and seniors

• A good man is hard to find!

SAC

• Advice from OSCC

• Learn from staff about seniors

• Actively solicit input from senior members

• Buy-in and support from seniors

Coffee and News

• Piloted at Legends Branch

• Now a mainstay at every location

• Seniors like interactive programs

Video Discussion Series

• “Human Side of World War II”

• “Harlots and Starlets”

• “Religions Around the World”

What Will I Read Next?

• Aka “What should I read Next?” “Lunch and Learn”…

Plan once and deliver at 3 locations• Crafty Fiction• Scotland Fiction• Cookery Fiction• “Mummy” Literature

Depth of Research

• Use Novelist and other electronic resources

• Always include Canadian content

• History of subject or genre

• Include quotes and proverbs

• Find local experts (chefs, religious leaders, etc.)

Remembrance Day Teas

• 2006 – Year of the War Bride

• 2007 – Focus on Vimy Ridge

OSCC Day Program

• Adjust times for programs

• Jake Rude

June is Seniors’ Month!

Writing Contest

• 2007 – Memoirs

• 2008 – Travel Essays

• Treasured Books and Memories Tea

• Involved Durham Writers’ Group

Afternoon Matinee Series

• Lillie Langtry

• Lord Mountbatten

• London Walk: Old Docklands

• Progressive – build up audiences

• UK rights

Intergenerational Programmes

• Coronation Street- Canada’s favourite soap opera– View an episode together– English tea and treats– Trivia quiz and prizes

1. How many times has Fred Elliott proposed marriage?

• Three

• Seven

• Twice

Feature Programmes

Sistine Chapel

Christmas Moon and other delights

Looking for Mona

The Parthenon

Joint Events

• Hobby Expo

• Memories of South Oshawa

• Technology Fair

Community Events

• Spring Bar B-Q

• Swing into Summer

• South Oshawa Community Day

Community Events

• Deck the Halls

• Health and Wellness Expo– Alzheimer’s Society of Durham

Region– Seniors’ residences– Frail Elders’ Alliance

Ready, Set, Action!

Library without Walls at OSCC events

• Displays

• Pathfinders

• Registrations and Check-outs

Partnership has its benefits

• OSCC Speakers’ Bureau

• Shared programming space

• Library’s Graphics Department

• Connections in the community

Marketing

• Programme and Activity Guides

• Newspapers

Seniors plan their week – Library is a bigger drawn

than a niche market (i.e., seniors)

Marketing

• Flyers and posters

• Display cases at OSCC

Tips for success

• Be open to partnering

• It’s about time – take yours!

• Program timing

• Library staff’s passions, interests and personalities are always welcome!

Tips for success

• Don’t segregate seniors – what works for them will often work for others

• Work with strengths– OSCC: Food, music, grass roots

presence– Library: space, books,

knowledgeable staff

Canadian Library Association

Interest Group on Services to Older People:

Canadian Guidelines on Library and Information Services for Older Adults

http://www.cla.ca/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Library_and_Information_Services_for_Older_People

• How to reach seniors without a well-organized seniors’ group in the community– Older Centres Association of Ontario– Church groups

Thank You!

Ellen StroudOshawa Public Libraries estroud@oshawalibrary.on.ca

Colleen ZavrelOshawa Senior Citizens Centreczavrel@city.oshawa.on.ca