[Publib] Adult Story times author suggestions please...

[Allan M. Kleiman]

 Hi--

This question of presenting programming for senior centers, nursing homes and other senior facilities has come up on this list several times over the years.? I am a proponent of programming that is engaging, exciting, stimulating, and can evoke an exchange of dialogue. I don't always find this is the case with a read-a-loud program for senior adults which can be dull and often passive!

When I was at the Brooklyn Public Library in the 1990's we developed a program called, "Words and Memories," an inter-active nostalgia based program.? The goal was to get the seniors to reminisce about some of the "selections," we presented, recall memories, talk, discuss and get involved!

If I was doing a program this month, I would include some discussion about famous holidays, famous people's birthdays, poetry about Mother's Day, and maybe a song or two.? Much of the material that I use comes from the Children's Room Collection; a great source for read-a-loud!? Oh, yes, it's the beginning of baseball season, too.? I would usually read Casey at the Bat and we'd all sing Take me out to the Ballgame.? The seniors remember the words.

It would take be about 15-20 minutes to select the materials at the Library and about 10-15 minutes to read through and make sure i developed a cohesive type program.? 

Over the years I have trained dozens of librarians in these techniques.? Guess what?? These types of programs are used by Children's Librarians all the time.? My most recent presentation of these programs was last year when I presented programs at the Old Bridge (NJ) Senior Center.

So, reading a book out-loud is good.? But finding short, funny, memory building, familiar, light, engaging,
materials to "deliver" is even better.

Give it a try; the reaction will be fantastic!

Good luck!
--Allan


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Allan M. Kleiman, MLS
Chief Consultant, Library Consultant(s)-on-Call
Fords, NJ 08863
732-738-5183 (office)
allanmkleiman at aol.com; kleiman at aol.com
libraryolderadults.blogspot.com
Facebook:  amkleiman
Twitter:  kleiman
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Past Chair & Member, ALA RUSA RSS Library Service to an Aging Population Committee
Member, ALA OLOS Older Adults Task Force
Member, ALA OLOS Gaming Experts Panel (Verizon Grant)
Member, Steering Committee, 2010 National Diversity in Libraries Conference
Past President, NJLA Special Populations Section
Chair, NJ State Library LSTA Advisory Council
Past Chair & Member, INFOLINK Diversity Committee
Member, INFOLINK Gaming Task Force
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"I'm Glad I'm Not Young Anymore!"

 


 



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