In 2006, the first of America’s “Baby Boomers” turned 60. By 2030, the number of people age 65 and older will increase dramatically, to over 72 million or roughly 20% of the population. With greater longevity, better health and more leisure time, this generation of older adults is re-defining what it means to be a “senior” member of society.
The Plymouth Public Library’s Senior Services department focuses on meeting the unique needs of mid-life and older adults. Through services such as our Books by Mail program, information resources directed to their special interests, and programs designed to enrich and inform active lifestyles, the Library offers older adults many opportunities for lifelong learning and community connections.
Books by Mail
Plymouth residents who are homebound due to temporary or permanent disability or physical infirmity can request books (and other circulating library materials) by mail through the Library’s Outreach Department.
Registration for the Books by Mail program may be conducted by mail or by a third person who can verify the requestor’s residence and disability. An interview is conducted with the homebound patron to determine the patron’s reading, listening or viewing preferences. Materials are selected by the Outreach Librarian depending on the patron’s expressed interest.
Items are sent to the patron and returned to the library using special mail bags designed for this use. The post office allows free delivery to and from Plymouth residents with disabilities.
For more information or to register for Books by Mail, contact the Outreach Department at 508-830-4250, ext. 219 or TTY 508-747-5882.
Educational/Recreational Programs
Throughout the year, the Senior Services Department offers a variety of programs of interest to older adults, such as the Seniors Travel Expo in May and a musical concert on the library’s lawn in July. Other programs that have been offered include a series of workshops on money management, Internet for seniors, gentle yoga, and armchair travel presentations.
Reference Assistance & Reader’s Advisory
Reference assistance by telephone is available during normal library hours. You can contact the Senior Services Department by telephoning 508-830-4250, ext. 219, via TTY 508-747-5882, or by emailing us as plref@ocln.org. Information requests may also be mailed to Plymouth Plymouth Library, 132 South St., Plymouth, MA 02360.
Outreach to Organizations
Plymouth organizations that house a resident population, such as nursing homes or assisted living centers, may elect to receive a “deposit collection” of library materials for use by their residents. Deposit collections are checked out to the organization on an Outreach Organization Card, and the distribution of library materials within the organization is managed by a designated organization representative, typically the Recreation or Activities Director. Deposit collections are picked up and returned to the library approximately every four weeks, according to a schedule agreed upon by the Outreach Librarian and the organization’s designated representative.
For more information about deposit collections or to apply for an Outreach Organization Card, contact the Outreach Librarian.
Recorded Books & Machines
Through a cooperative arrangement with the Perkins School for the Blind Braille and Talking Book Library in Watertown, Massachusetts, the Plymouth Public Library’s Outreach Department has a deposit collection of approximately 150 talking books for loan to Plymouth patrons who are blind or visually-impaired. These recorded books or talking books, require the use of a special cassette player, which is available free of charge from the Braille and Talking Book Library to qualified users.
For more information about borrowing talking books, contact the Outreach Department at 508-830-4250, ext. 219 or TTY 508-747-5882. You may also visit the Perkins Braille and Talking Book Library website at www.perkins.org/community-programs/btbl/
For even more information, please be sure to click here to browse our list of websites with more related information.
