Senior Citizens Day is celebrated annually on August 21st, but one day just wasn't enough time to honor, recognize, and share resources for one of Timberland Regional Library's largest and most active groups of library users! Read on for some examples of how Timberland serves our amazing senior community members and learn about resources for yourself or the seniors in your life.
Help with Tech
Teen Tech Tutors: Drop-In Tech Help at the Olympia Timberland Library
Get help with your computer, smartphone, or other device by working one-on-one with a teen volunteer. Held on the 1st and 3rd Friday of every month.
Drop-in Tech Help and Computer Basics sessions at Hoodsport, Shelton, and Tumwater Timberland Libraries
One-on-one sessions (or bring your friends!) for those needing help figuring out their phones, laptops, or other devices. Learn together with library staff at your own pace and based on your own needs. No registration necessary. Many libraries can offer up to 15 minutes of tech assistance simply during regular hours, no appointment necessary.
"I've been helping a patron in his eighties learn to use our new scanning copiers for the last few months. I love working with him because we both reminisce about making mimeograph copies at school in the days before copiers. Today, after a month of weekly help sessions, he came in and proudly demonstrated logging in to the copier and making his copies on his own. We high-fived at the end. You're never too old to learn something new!" - Lacey Librarian
Making Collections and Services Accessible
It can be hard to find solutions or even to ask for help when first faced with vision loss and/or the mobility issues that often accompany aging. Fortunately, the library has a wide collection of materials in several formats like Large Print, Audio, and e-books where you can customize your print size to your liking using the library app Libby. For patrons with transportation and/or mobility issues, Timberland offers Books by Mail delivery and Anywhere Library.
Anywhere Library
Anywhere Library is TRL's bookmobile, bringing library collections, programs, and services out into our communities. With stops at schools, churches, daycares, and senior centers, seniors can access diverse collections, pick up holds, return materials, get help with technology, enjoy a library program, learn about community resources, and more.
"Thanks so much for coming to our community each month. When new residents move in your services are some they are informed about. You do great work. It is a lot of work to bring a mobile library to us. Also, the (library) ladies who come in are always patient and kind to the seniors who are slow and need more time. Glad you are a part of our community." - Senior Living Community Coordinator in Pacific county.
Fun (and Free!) Programs
Story Times for Adults
"Why should kids have all the fun? People of all ages love being read to. If you thought you were too old for story time at the library, now you can enjoy silly picture books and brief excerpts from serious adult books." - Sean in Mason county describing his Story Time for Grown-ups programs.
"Thank you very much for hosting the Tales & Tails for Seniors program! For dog lovers it's fun AND therapy, especially for those of us who have had to say goodbye to our four-legged friends. II hope to experience more programs like these for people struggling to keep stress at bay." - Lacey Library Patron
Community Partners
Getting help when you need it, or even knowing where to go in the first place, can be daunting for many seniors in need of community services. Timberland provides space and opportunities to meet those in need to many service providers in the five counties. Need help doing your taxes? Many libraries host AARP Tax Aide volunteers who provide free assistance with filing from February until April 15 each year. Having trouble navigating your benefits as a Veteran? Mountain View (Randle) Timberland Library has a veteran services officer on site to assist with benefits navigation the first two Wednesdays of the month.
"The DSHS mobile office parks in the Naselle Library lot on occasion to be available for community members. Our contact there shared that during their visit in July, a 60 year old man recently let go from his long time job as a truck driver, came to their office for the first time. He had no idea what to do or where to start for services, and they got him all sorted out - he is exactly the kind of community member DSHS has been hoping to reach and help with their mobile offices. All they needed from us was the use of a couple of parking spaces, and it made this big impact for our community." - Michelle, Regional Manager for libraries in south Pacific county.
"I had the privilege of facilitating the Aging at Home series in Ilwaco recently and a comment from one attendee really stuck with me," shared an Ilwaco Library Specialist. "They said something along the lines of 'I am so happy I am not alone.' This comment made me sad, but it also highlights the importance of these types of programs. I am really happy Timberland offers them."
