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Serving Seniors with Panache

Join us at the Oshawa Public Libraries to discover engaging programs and partnerships that enrich the lives of seniors in Oshawa. Explore the vibrant cultural offerings and collaborative initiatives that foster a sense of community and well-being for our senior population.

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Serving Seniors with Panache

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  1. Serving Seniors with Panache Ontario Library Association Conference January 31, 2008

  2. The Human Comedy “I know, of course, that everyone must die, but I thought an exception would be made in my case.” - William Saroyan

  3. Oshawa • 152,000 population • Automotive industry (General Motors) • Part of Greater Toronto Area • 2005 Environics study

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. Seniors’ Demographics • Different populations of seniors and needs • Confident – “I know what I want” • Time for Lifelong Learning • Club Sandwich Generation • Frail seniors

  10. 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!

  11. 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

  12. 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

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

  14. Northview

  15. 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

  16. St. Patrick’s Day • Reading

  17. Organizational Cultures • All Library programmes are free • Business orientation vs. client-centred • Union staff vs. Volunteer-based • General Public vs. Seniors

  18. Organizational Cultures • Appreciate each other’s worlds • Reaching Jess Hann Branch customers (OPL) • Reaching John Street Branch customers (OSCC) • Supportive management

  19. Seniors’ Advisory Group • Bimonthly meetings • Brainstorming around programs • Membership includes OPL and OSCC staff and seniors • A good man is hard to find!

  20. SAC • Advice from OSCC • Learn from staff about seniors • Actively solicit input from senior members • Buy-in and support from seniors

  21. Coffee and News • Piloted at Legends Branch • Now a mainstay at every location • Seniors like interactive programs

  22. Video Discussion Series • “Human Side of World War II” • “Harlots and Starlets” • “Religions Around the World”

  23. 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

  24. 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.)

  25. Remembrance Day Teas • 2006 – Year of the War Bride • 2007 – Focus on Vimy Ridge

  26. OSCC Day Program • Adjust times for programs • Jake Rude

  27. June is Seniors’ Month! Writing Contest • 2007 – Memoirs • 2008 – Travel Essays • Treasured Books and Memories Tea • Involved Durham Writers’ Group

  28. Afternoon Matinee Series • Lillie Langtry • Lord Mountbatten • London Walk: Old Docklands • Progressive – build up audiences • UK rights

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

  30. 1. How many times has Fred Elliott proposed marriage? • Three • Seven • Twice

  31. Feature Programmes Sistine Chapel Christmas Moon and other delights Looking for Mona The Parthenon

  32. Joint Events • Hobby Expo • Memories of South Oshawa • Technology Fair

  33. Community Events • Spring Bar B-Q • Swing into Summer • South Oshawa Community Day

  34. Community Events • Deck the Halls • Health and Wellness Expo • Alzheimer’s Society of Durham Region • Seniors’ residences • Frail Elders’ Alliance

  35. Ready, Set, Action! Library without Walls at OSCC events • Displays • Pathfinders • Registrations and Check-outs

  36. Partnership has its benefits • OSCC Speakers’ Bureau • Shared programming space • Library’s Graphics Department • Connections in the community

  37. Marketing • Programme and Activity Guides • Newspapers Seniors plan their week – Library is a bigger drawn than a niche market (i.e., seniors)

  38. Marketing • Flyers and posters • Display cases at OSCC

  39. 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!

  40. 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

  41. 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

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

  43. Thank You! Ellen Stroud Oshawa Public Libraries estroud@oshawalibrary.on.ca Colleen Zavrel Oshawa Senior Citizens Centre czavrel@city.oshawa.on.ca

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