May is Older Americans Month

Every May the Administration for Community Living celebrates Older Americans Month. This year’s theme, Aging Unbound, promotes flexible thinking around the idea of aging and encourages us to consider the benefits of a community where everyone, no matter what their age, feels engaged, included, and independent (Administration for Community Living). Read on to learn about how you can support yourself or the older adults in your life by exploring resources available at the library.

At HCPL, we believe learning is a life-long journey. Whether you’re young, older, or somewhere in between, it’s never too late to learn something new. Browse the list below to discover library resources that allow you or older loved ones to continue learning, connecting to helpful information, and engaging with others.

• Library Programs
  • Get out of the house and into the community! Read our quarterly Program Guide to learn more about free programs happening throughout the system. Stop by your library to pick up a guide, download and print it at home, or visit our online Program and Events calendar to browse upcoming events including:
    • Book Discussions
    • Film Screenings
    • Computer Classes
    • Craft Programs

• Large Type Books:
  • For those tired of squinting, find larger, easier-to-read text in our Large Type collection. Explore popular fiction, nonfiction, and mystery titles in our catalog!

• DVD & Audiobook Collections
  • Browse the library’s DVD collection and say goodbye to endless channel surfing and remembering to set your DVR. Whether you’re searching for classics or the latest season of your favorite TV show, chances are, the library has it. Or, peruse our extensive selection of audiobooks to listen to at home or in the car on your next road trip!

• Downloads and Streaming Platforms
  • Visit the library from the comfort of your own home with various downloads and streaming platforms available for free with your HCPL library card. Explore ebooks and audiobooks on Libby, browse music, movies, television, ebooks and more on Hoopla, and read a variety of digital magazines through Magzter. Download the Libby, Hoopla, and Magzter apps onto you tablet or smartphone device or use a web browser to access them on your home computer. Find more details for getting started on our Downloads and Streaming page. Of course, feel free to call, visit, or use our Ask a Librarian service (green tab on the right side of our website) to ask for staff assistance!

• Caregiver Kits
  • For those who care for older adults experiencing memory loss, try using one of our caregiver kits. These kits provide stimulating materials around engaging topics like Richmond history, food, or music, and are designed to help you kick off a conversation and foster a connection. Browse our online catalog to choose from a variety of caregiver kits and place a hold.

• Outreach & Mobile Library Services
  • In addition to in-library and digital resources, we bring the library out into the community with our Mobile Library Service (MLS). The MLS serves approximately 30 senior living communities monthly, either bringing book carts of library materials into their facilities or providing drop-off collections. Staff are dedicated to bringing a variety of materials as well as programming to local senior communities, encouraging interactivity, socialization, and an improved quality of life. Visit our Outreach & Mobile Library page to learn more and inquire about bringing their services into your senior living community.

• County Resources: Advocate for the Aging (EngAGE) 
  • Henrico’s Advocate for the Aging is another helpful resource that connects and provides support to Henrico residents age 60 and older and their families and caregivers. Reach out to their office to find more information about emergency services, assistance programs, community engagement events, and more.