Libraries focus on Baby Boomers

As the first of the baby boomers turn 60, public libraries are preparing to offer creative alternatives to retirement to a generation well-known for their idealism and activism. A new report from the Americans for Libraries Council (ALC) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) describes this demographic revolution and offers examples of model programs to public libraries interested in connecting these active older adults to new opportunities for learning, work, and community service.

Designs for Change: Libraries and Productive Aging gathers insights from a Library Leaders Forum held last year in Washington, D.C. The forum brought together some of the nation's top library leaders to consider the impact that the growing number of active older Americans will have on libraries. Forum participants concluded that traditional adult services for seniors fall short in appealing to the interests of these older adults, and do not take full advantage of their willingness to work, volunteer, and impart expert knowledge within the community.

"Libraries have the potential to make the process of re-imagining and revision possible," said Mary Catherine Bateson, anthropologist, author, and one of the forum's featured speakers. "People need to rethink what they can become." A theme throughout the forum was the need to rethink stereotypes of aging and to find new ways in which libraries can connect older adults to opportunities that benefit both individuals and their communities.

The Leaders Forum is part of ALC's Lifelong Access Libraries, an initiative to advance a new model for library services focused on active, engaged older adults. Lifelong Access Libraries is supported by a $2.7 million grant from the Atlantic Philanthropies. Other components of the initiative include development of a Lifelong Access Libraries National Institute, Lifelong Access Fellows, Lifelong Access Centers of Excellence and a national network of Lifelong Access Libraries. ALC is working with leaders of national and state library associations, state librarians, library educators and other library leaders to carry out the four-year initiative. A new website with information on serving active older adults is available at http://ww.LifelongLibraries.org.

Last updated on 5/09/2006