Head over to your local library (public or academic). Find out what types of programs and services are offered to the various populations. In what ways does the library promote inclusion through resources and programs? Is there any one staff member designated to plan programs and provide outreach to seniors and/or persons with disabilities? What role does the library play in empowering these populations to use the library and resources?
I was a little disappointed when returning to my local public library, Main Street Library, the director Ann was more concerned with children’s programs than adults. She emphasizes consideration on children’s programs, but not the aging and people with disabilities. She does have some activities for adults, mostly attended by older adults, such as a monthly potluck. They have a movie after the potluck, but due to low attendance they are starting bingo this month. Main Street Library also has a knitting club that meets once a month as well as a one-time coupon class. Ann is the person in charge of planning programs and providing outreach to seniors and/or persons with disabilities, does not feel that these two areas are important for her library. The library does not have an adult book club. The neglect of senior citizens as a whole in the United States is seen in many areas like the libraries, such as in the market place, business and within the community. While there is a movement for helping the aging and people with disabilities, there is still much work to be done.
Everyone on staff of the Main Street Library will help people with questions, such as the aging and those with disabilities, but they do not perform any special tasks. For example, while they will answer someone’s computer question for a few minutes, there are neither computer classes nor one-on-one tutorials. This library does have many activities for children and teens, but it does not play a role in empowering the aging and people with disabilities to use the library and resources.
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