55+ Council

In March of 2010, a very enthusiastic group of library users discussed how IPPL could better serve the needs of its 55plus users. They shared how they use the library and how they would like to use the library. In July, the group met again and decided to form an ongoing senior advisory board, similar in many ways to the Teen Advisory Board. Currently, they are working on what their mission and their goals are. Ultimately, they will help determine what kinds of programs and services the library should offer to our 55plus users.

The group will meet every other month, fine tuning the work they started this summer. In September the group will set priorities for what they’d like to see after the first of the year. So far, they’ve expressed interest in learning more about elder law and finance, how to downsize, good places to retire, and how to structure insurance and other matters after retirement.

Some members of the group would like to see small study groups led by a professional, almost like taking a class. Other members are interested in having a regular afternoon group that will do things like play board games or watch and discuss movies. Other ideas include programs about keeping your memory sharp, learning about traveling in groups, and how to be alert for scams. Most members have shared that the late morning or early afternoon is the best time to meet.