Recently at the Plymouth District Library (PDL), a group of patrons met to connect at the library’s first Story Share Café program. Participants had varied backgrounds, but had in common that they are older adults with tales to share – this time regarding the Detroit of their childhood.

Deb Madonna, one of those in attendance, is a library “regular”. She has known for a long time what more and more local seniors are discovering: the library is a great place to explore, learn and connect with others.

“I am in the library a couple times a week,” Madonna said, “for book club, writing group, the poetry group… and the staff is developing very unique events. I am 74 and I am not working, but I have a rich cultural life right here in town. For me, there is a peace and happiness at the library, with the staff and other patrons, many I have known for years.”

Madonna noted that she has been coming to the library since she was a girl, and has brought her own kids and her grandkids as well. At every age group, library patrons have unique needs, including seniors.

Story Share Café is just one of a growing number of programs and services PDL tailors to this group. Some offerings are directly elder-related, such as Medicare sessions, Low Vision meetups or the upcoming Alzheimer’s Association program on healthy brain and body. But many more are just general programs or services offered during convenient daytime hours, such as the Tuesday morning craft meetups and the Check Out an Expert program.

“Check Out An Expert can be a great resource for older adults,” said Zach Hose, human resource (and volunteer) coordinator. “They can sign up to spend 30 minutes with an expert to help them with their personal tech devices, get answers to gardening challenges or learn about a wide variety of topics from bread making to artificial intelligence. This kind of one-on-one help can allow for a gentler pace of learning and a more personal touch."

To schedule a session or volunteer to be an expert, visit the library's website or call for assistance.

In addition to programs and services, the library’s collections are adapting to better serve seniors. There’s an expanding Large Print collection, now featuring a “new” section to highlight the latest titles. Plus, later this month PDL will introduce a Memory Care collection – books written and formatted in ways proven to aid engagement by those with dementia or memory loss. Readers can explore familiar topics one-on-one with a carer or read together in a group using a Memory Care Kit with multiple copies of the same title.

If you are an active senior, you might like to join in an early morning neighborhood walk with some of the library’s littlest patrons and their families this spring. If you are homebound, you might take advantage of PDL's Home Delivery program. Or maybe you are like Deb Madonna and just want to come to the library to “wander and discover.” Whatever way suits you, know that Plymouth District Library sees you, seniors, and welcomes your input on how the library can grow to serve you even better.