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Serving Seniors with Panache

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)

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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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