Golden Opportunities

There’s nothing like settling down with a good book. But today, libraries offer so much more. That’s why we’ve “booked” our next guest. Describe the many services and programs available, Fatima Perkins is Adult Services Manager for Cuyahoga County Public Library.

Question: Our public libraries have lots of specific programs, like story hours, for kids. What about seniors?

Answer: At Cuyahoga County Public Library, we encourage all older adults to stay engaged in lifelong learning, and hope to keep seniors happy, healthy, and independently at home as long as possible.
We create programs and services to support that goal throughout our 28 branches. All library programs are free of charge.

Question; What are some of the free services available to seniors?

Answer: Services found throughout the 28 branches include book discussions, book talks, and readers’ advisory.
For patrons who are homebound, we do offer home delivery of books. To access this program, you can call your local branch to make arrangements, or call the number we’ll give out and we will direct you.

Question: Today, computers are a huge resource for information. How does the library help plug us in?

Answer: Research shows that the number one reason seniors use computers is to search for health and medical information. Email and Internet skills are also a way that they can keep in touch with children and grandchildren. To that effect, we offer computer training—some classes geared specifically to older adults. We can teach word processing skills, how to use and navigate the Internet, and how to find resources online.

Question: Can you help us find specific information on medical problems or finances?

Answer: CCPL has a number of electronic databases available through our website. We can link you to reliable sources of health and medical information; patrons can check their stocks and investments, and research genealogy.

Question: What can we look forward to this fall from CCPL?

Answer: Many of our programs are in partnership with other community resources. For example, we have health education programs throughout the system in collaboration with University Hospital, and caregiving programs in partnership with Benjamin Rose.
Specifically in the fall, in locations throughout Cuyahoga County:

• Memory Fitness: How older and middle-aged adults can enhance and retain their memories.
• Fabulously Fit: Wellness program in conjunction with Senior Centers in 8 locations throughout the county.
• Identity Theft: A program focusing on identity theft and different scams to watch out for as we near the holiday season.
• A series of Veterans’ Programs, in conjunction with Cuyahoga Community College. WKYC’s Eric Mansfield has hosted these seminars online in the past, and they are posted at Channel 3 and the library’s website. We do have a special brochure outlining the upcoming events.
• Career Transitions: For late middle-aged/early senior adults who want to try something different in the workplace, early retirees interested in entrepreneurship, or those returning to the workforce after retirement. We also have a Career Center at our Maple Heights Branch (and also online through our Know-it-Now service) that can help one create a resume, develop job search skills, etc.

On our website, we have a link to our Senior Space, which has additional information for our community’s seniors.

Question: This is a lot of information. Where can our viewers learn more?

Answer: We have a quarterly newsletter called “The Inside Page.” It’s available free at each of our 28 branches, or you can call the number that’s up next and ask to be put on our mailing list.

You’ll want to bookmark the Cuyahoga County Public Library. For more information, or to receive the Inside Page newsletter, call the number that’s next.