The Callander Public Library has received funding from the Seniors Community Grant Program to launch an initiative in response to the isolation of older adults caused by COVID-19.
“We saw an immediate need to help our community connect when we had to close down in March 2020," says Melissa Sones, CEO. "For many in our community the Library was a social hub, and as we shifted to connecting virtually we realized that many of our older adults couldn't participate because they didn't have access to affordable internet."
Before the pandemic the library had an active weekly knitting group, book clubs, and monthly adult craft nights, and those who just came to the library to chat.
The social connections offered at the library were suddenly gone. It left us with a problem... with socializing now happening entirely over social media and Zoom, how do we get the internet to our seniors? explained Sones.“Solving this problem became one of our top priorities.”
The program will focus on the needs of older adults in the community including making Wi-Fi Hotspots and tablets available for loan and improving internet access and the opportunity to connect virtually.
"These technologies will help to connect seniors with their social groups safely from home," explains Sones. "Weekly virtual coffee clubs run by the CPL offer a chance to socialize and learn about programs and services in the community. The CPL will continue to offer personalized virtual technology lessons to support the program."
These lessons are offered by the Library's experienced technology trainer.
“Tailoring our technology lessons to meet patrons where they are is fundamental to everything we do here," says Sara Berry, Technology Trainer at CPL. "I have done lessons with seniors who have spent careers using technology and just want to keep up with recent changes, while some have never touched a tablet before in their life.
"We want to make sure everyone who borrows these devices feels confident using them. Technology should be accessible and easy for everyone, and this program will help us get closer to that goal”
The Connecting Seniors Initiative is set to run until April 30.
For more information on this program call 705-752-2544.
