Older Americans Month

May is Older Americans Month. Since 1963, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) has led a national campaign to honor the contributions of older adults to their communities. To commemorate, we are highlighting some of the many HCPL programs and resources that may be of interest to older adults.

COLLECTION

Our collection is one of our greatest resources and it includes several books on aging. A few highlights include:

• Golden Years: How Americans Invented and Reinvented Old Age by James Chappel
• The Measure of Our Age: Navigating Care, Safety, Money & Meaning in Later Life by M.T. Connolly
• Roctogenarians: Late in Life Debuts, Comebacks, and Triumphs by Mo Rocca
• The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly: Life Wisdom from Someone Who Will (Probably) Die Before You by Margareta Magnusson
• Women Rowing North: Navigating Life's Currents and Flourishing As We Age by Mary Pipher

Looking for more recommendations? Ask a librarian! Or, try one of these handy resources for finding your next read:

• My Next Read: Adults – Tell us a little bit about your reading preferences and we’ll email you a list of books chosen just for you.
• LibraryAware Newsletters – Subscribe to genre specific newsletters and receive monthly or bi-monthly emails with book recommendations based on your interests.
• NovelistPlus – Browse thousands of book reviews, read-alikes, and awards lists or try Novelist’s appeal mixer to find the perfect match for your mood.

A library card also provides access to thousands of audiobooks which are wonderful for hands-free reading and for those who experience vision loss (Large Type materials are another great resource for those with vision impairment.) Pick up a physical audiobook (discs) or download electronic audiobooks straight to your phone or tablet through the free Libby and Hoopla apps. Check out our Downloads and Streaming page to learn more about our digital materials.

DATABASES:

It is never too late to learn something new! Access dozens of Research and Learning databases at no charge using your HCPL library card. Below are just a handful of platforms available to you:

• Ancestry Virginia and Heritage Quest
• Consumer Reports
• Gale LegalForms
• Richmond Times-Dispatch (NewsBank)
• Value Line

PROGRAMS

In addition to materials for checkout, the library also offers free events where you can connect with others in your community. Attend a book discussion, computer class, craft workshop, or one of our other regularly offered programs:

• Tech Tutors
  • Get assistance from library staff with your new-fangled personal devices, such as cellphones, e-readers, and laptops. Find answers to your technology questions. Disclaimer: Library staff can only offer basic assistance. We are not able to troubleshoot/repair malfunctioning or broken hardware or software.

• Varina Stitchers
  • Craft socially with us twice a month. Knit, crochet, weave, sew—bring your supplies and join the conversation.

• Silver Screen Saturdays
  • Celebrate old Hollywood by watching classic movies from the 1920s through the 1970s. Before and after each screening, we will share facts related to the movie to give you additional background on the production. Titles will be announced as the program dates approach.

• Something to Talk About series
  • Join us on the second Tuesday of every month for movies, local history presentations, genealogy, and more! Upcoming topics include:
    • Chatsworth School
      • Tuesday, July 8, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM at Varina
      • Chatsworth School is a small building with a big part in the development of Richmond.

• The House Is on Fire
  • Tuesday, August 12:00 AM-12:00 PM at Varina
  • Phil Ford of HCPL Outreach and Mobile Library Services shares the local story of one of America's deadliest tragedies, the inspiration for Rachel Beanland's The House Is on Fire, which tells the story of the Richmond Theatre Fire of 1811 from the perspective of four integrous characters—two Black and enslaved, two White. Books and other materials related to Richmond history will also be available for checkout.

• Medicare: The Puzzle
  • Tuesday, September 9, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM at Varina
  • Just in time for Open Enrollment, an insurance specialist from Senior Medicare Patrol will share tips for managing your Medicare.

• Sit and Stitch
  • Stitch socially with us on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month for an informal craft night. Bring whatever fiber craft you are working on, whether that be knitting, crocheting, weaving, or cross stitch, and join the conversation with your fellow crafters. All skill levels are welcome and a selection of fiber art and craft books will be available for checkout. 

• Bob Singer Senior Series
  • Series will resume in Fall, 2025. Stay tuned!

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• Caregiver Kits
  • Caregiver Kits include items such as books, DVDs, discussion questions and music CDs. The Kits are designed to stimulate memory and conversation using familiar themes and objects for those experiencing memory loss.

• Outreach + Mobile Library Services
  • HCPL’s Outreach and Mobile Library Services team provides a variety of services to residents outside the library, including delivery of library materials and programs to residents in retirement communities.

• Advocate for the Aging (EngAGE) – Resources to “enhance social engagement, wellness, and independence” for Henrico residents 60 and older.