August 1, 2020
The needs of adult library users vary greatly across age groups. Goodman, a retired adult services librarian, identifies a gap in services for users over 65, especially for those unable to come to the library. She gives a broad overview of the characteristics of the various generations, along with an outline of issues related to aging brains. The author recommends both a community and a library assessment in preparation for creating an action plan. She advocates taking programming into the community, partnering with other agencies serving the elderly. Part 2 provides detailed outlines for potential programs including discussion questions, suggested resources, and a list of references. The ideas proposed here are easily implemented and helpful. For a program on candy and chocolate, Goodman suggests creating a Powerpoint on the history of candy, recommending a mystery series featuring candy, showing a DVD of xWilly Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and offering candy samples. She compiles a list of discussion questions to prompt patrons to recall their favorite candy growing up. VERDICT Adult service librarians will find practical ideas that can easily be adapted to fit their own community.--Judy Solberg, Sacramento, CA
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