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 Tims -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 1980s!

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

14. 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

15. British Isles Series Joint programming gained momentum in 2004 with a British Isles Series: –Robbie Burns Day –Valentines Day –St. Patricks Day

16. Northview

17. Valentines 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

18. St. Patricks Day Reading

19. Organizational Cultures All Library programmes are free Business orientation vs. client- centred Union staff vs. Volunteer-based General Public vs. Seniors

20. Organizational Cultures Appreciate each others worlds Reaching Jess Hann Branch customers (OPL) Reaching John Street Branch customers (OSCC) Supportive management

21. Seniors Advisory Group Bimonthly meetings Brainstorming around programs Membership includes OPL and OSCC staff and seniors A good man is hard to find!

22. SAC Advice from OSCC Learn from staff about seniors Actively solicit input from senior members Buy-in and support from seniors

23. Coffee and News Piloted at Legends Branch Now a mainstay at every location Seniors like interactive programs

24. Video Discussion Series Human Side of World War II Harlots and Starlets Religions Around the World

25. 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

26. 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.)

27. Remembrance Day Teas 2006 – Year of the War Bride 2007 – Focus on Vimy Ridge

28. OSCC Day Program Adjust times for programs Jake Rude

31. June is Seniors Month! Writing Contest 2007 – Memoirs 2008 – Travel Essays Treasured Books and Memories Tea Involved Durham Writers Group

32. Afternoon Matinee Series Lillie Langtry Lord Mountbatten London Walk: Old Docklands Progressive – build up audiences UK rights

33. Intergenerational Programmes Coronation Street- Canadas favourite soap opera –View an episode together –English tea and treats –Trivia quiz and prizes

34. 1. How many times has Fred Elliott proposed marriage? Three Seven Twice

35. Feature Programmes Sistine Chapel Christmas Moon and other delights Looking for Mona The Parthenon

37. Joint Events Hobby Expo Memories of South Oshawa Technology Fair

38. Community Events Spring Bar B-Q Swing into Summer South Oshawa Community Day

39. Community Events Deck the Halls Health and Wellness Expo –Alzheimers Society of Durham Region –Seniors residences –Frail Elders Alliance

40. Ready, Set, Action! Library without Walls at OSCC events Displays Pathfinders Registrations and Check-outs

41. Partnership has its benefits OSCC Speakers Bureau Shared programming space Librarys Graphics Department Connections in the community

42. Marketing Programme and Activity Guides Newspapers Seniors plan their week – Library is a bigger drawn than a niche market (i.e., seniors)

43. Marketing Flyers and posters Display cases at OSCC

44. Tips for success Be open to partnering Its about time – take yours! Program timing Library staffs passions, interests and personalities are always welcome!

45. Tips for success Dont 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

46. 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?Sect ion=Library_and_Information_Services _for_Older_People

47. How to reach seniors without a well-organized seniors group in the community –Older Centres Association of Ontario –Church groups

48. Thank You! Ellen Stroud Oshawa Public Libraries estroud@oshawalibrary.on.ca estroud@oshawalibrary.on.ca Colleen Zavrel Oshawa Senior Citizens Centre czavrel@city.oshawa.on.ca