Celebrate National Senior Citizens Day at the Library!

August 21 was established as a day to honor Americans ages 65 and older. The National Senior Citizens Day proclamation states that the best way to demonstrate our gratitude for all that older citizens have achieved and continue to accomplish is to assure that they can find the encouragement, acceptance, assistance, and services they need to continue to lead lives of independence and dignity.

Here are five great resources for seniors at the library.

• Learn Something New. Free classes in computer basics and everything else from senior yoga to finances for seniors are available throughout our library system. To find a class, call your nearest library or check our online calendar.
• Join a Club. Not only do we have Book Clubs of many genres, we also have Bingo Clubs, Knitting Clubs, Chess Clubs and more!
• Find Your Roots. Did you know we have a whole group of genealogy databases and other unique resources to aid in your quest to fill in all the branches of your family tree? The best part is they are all free and easy to use.
• Library On the Go. E-media resources are invaluable for older borrowers. You can read a book, watch a movie, listen to music, or learn a new language. And these are just a few of the many e-media resources we have available. Our Niche Academy has tutorials for all our major e-media outlets to help get you started.
• Get Involved. Keep busy with a sense of purpose through our volunteer programs. People of all ages make connections through volunteer opportunities at the library.

If you know someone who, because of a disability, is unable to travel to the library, encourage them to apply for a Homebound Library Card. This will permit them to designate a friend or family member to pick-up and return library materials. Additionally, our Services for People with Disabilities page has resources to aid seniors, such as patrons with visual impairments.

The City of Los Angeles also provides many options for seniors and their caregivers. Access to such services is provided by the Department of Aging. Call 213-482-7252 or the statewide toll-free number 800-510-2020.