Services for Older Adults

Services for Older Adults at BPL offers inclusive programming and services tailored to our patrons over the age of 55, including lectures, films, performances and educational programs that reflect the wide interests of today’s older adults.

Programs & Classes
Programs & Classes for Older Adults

For the convenience of our older adults, we offer programming in person or virtually via Facebook Live, Zoom meetings, and streaming from our branch staff!

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Books by Mail
Books by Mail

This fast, convenient service provides books, audiobooks and videos to people who are homebound or have a visual disability.

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Creative Aging
Creative Aging

Multi-session art workshops for patrons ages 55 and older, led by a professional teaching artist.

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Technology For All
Technology For All: Group Classes

Assisting you in all your tech demands.

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More Highlights from BPL's Services for Older Adults
Books-to-Go

We supply reading and viewing materials to older adults in nursing homes, senior centers, and senior residence buildings. Materials include books in English and other languages (some in large print), DVDs, and audiobooks.  Book club sets are available too. Books-to-Go Application

Technology For All: Individual Assistance

Helps older adults with tech needs, such as:  iPhone & Android (Smartphones); Computer Support (Google Suite, Microsoft365, Outlook, Gmail); Virtual Programs (Zoom, Microsoft Team); Social Media (Youtube, Instagram, Facebook); Microsoft & Mac iOS Software. 

Email SCalbi@bklynlibrary.org or call 718-938-2525 for more information.  English and Spanish available.

"Technology For All" is generously supported by the New York Foundation for Eldercare.

Sharing Reflections

Hosted by Senior Assistants at Libraries, Nursing Homes, Senior Centers, Hospitals, and Rehabilitation Facilities, this program offers patrons the chance to reminisce about things in life that have influenced who they have become today. It’s a great opportunity to travel back in time, talk about journey and destination, meet new people, hear about their experiences, and connect with community members. Laughter and fun are integral ingredients of our program. This program is offered in English, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese.  For more information, please contact Services for Older Adults' staff at jvigo@bklynlibrary.org or 718-230-2442.

Our Streets, Our Stories (OSOS)

OSOS is an ongoing oral history project exploring Brooklyn from the words of its residents. Recorded virtual interviews are an option for homebound patrons.  To participate, please contact Services for Older Adults' staff at BHughes@bklynlibrary.org or 718-236-1760.

Senior Debate and Intergenerational Debate

To learn more about senior debate and intergenerational debate [teens and older adults] at Brooklyn Public Library, please contact Services for Older Adults' staff at bhughes@bklynlibrary.org or 718-236-1760.

Resources for Older Adults and their Caregivers

Please check here for Information for Older Adults and their Caregivers

Upcoming Events

Adult Coloring

Tue, Jun 9 2:00pm
Marcy, Meeting Room

arts and crafts creative aging

Do you enjoy coloring?  Join us on Tuesdays from 2:00 - 3:00 pm for this known stress reliever.  

Flower Arranging Workshop

Tue, Jun 9 2:00pm
Mill Basin, Program Room

Artists on Site arts and crafts creative aging

Mill Basin will be hosting a two-part flower arranging workshop led by Phoebe Burr! All supplies will be provided, please register prior to the start of the program. 

Painting with Acrylic

Tue, Jun 9 4:30pm
Mill Basin, Program Room

adult learning arts and crafts creative aging

The Mill Basin library will be once again partnering with artist, Wilfredo Santiago, for a series of paint classes. This time we will be working with acrylic paint. All supplies will be provided. Please register prior to the start of the class. 

Creative Aging: The Magic of Acrylics

Wed, Jun 10 1:00pm
Adams Street Library

arts and crafts creative aging

Learn how to use acrylic paint to create more realistic artwork. We will explore the fundamentals of art, painting from observation, and bringing subjects to life using shadows, depth, composition, and color. Find your style of painting through completing still life, landscapes, portraits, and a…

Mindful Coloring for Adults and Teens

Wed, Jun 10 1:00pm
Brooklyn Heights Library, Craft Room

arts and crafts creative aging

Please join us at our adult coloring session! No registration required, just drop in. We provide the supplies while you partake in a relaxing way to exercise your mind.

Teens are also welcome!

Drawing for Absolute Beginners

Wed, Jun 10 1:00pm
Homecrest, Meeting Room

Artists on Site creative aging

Spring is here! Let's celebrate by learning to draw flowers.  This class will demonstrate how to build a foundation for drawing using color to illustrate Spring Flowers.

 

Wednesdays May 5,13,20 & 27

Wednesdays June3, & 19 

 

Registration…

Weekly Craft Circle at Amnon's Pizza!

Wed, Jun 10 3:30pm
Amnon's Kosher Pizza

all ages arts and crafts conversations

Looking for a space to make art, exchange skills, and meet fellow crafters? Join us! Get to know fellow crafters at Borough Park Library's weekly craft circle! Bring your crocheting, knitting, embroidery, or whatever else you're working on. While the library is closed for renovations we will be…

Creative Aging: Journaling in Watercolor

Thu, Jun 11 11:00am
Ryder Library

arts and crafts creative aging

Join us in this 9-week workshop.  Participants will develop drawing, watercolor painting and journal writing skills through creative prompts and exercises, exploring and sharing their stories. At the culminating event, participants will share their work and discuss their experiences. This…

Creative Aging: Joyful Beads

Thu, Jun 11 11:00am
New Utrecht, J Meeting Room

creative aging jewelry making

This program has been moved from Midwood Library to New Utrecht Library due to upcoming closure for renovations.

Join us in this 9-week workshop for hands-on and engaging instruction in jewelry making. Participants are encouraged to relax and share their skills as they take part in…

Creative Aging: "Faces of Imagination" Mask Making

Thu, Jun 11 12:30pm
Williamsburgh, Auditorium

arts and crafts creative aging

Join us in this hands-on workshop immerses students in the fundamentals of mask-making using recycled materials and traditional techniques. Participants will design and create a unique character while exploring the rich history of mask-making as an artistic expression, storytelling tool, and…

To donate to Services for Older Adults, click here:  https://bklynlib.org/support-soa

 

Services for Older Adults is partially funded by Coordinated Outreach Library Services aid from the NYS Education Department, administered by the State Library’s Division of Library Development. All programs are sponsored by BPL’s Department of Outreach Services, which was established with the generous support of The Charles H. Revson Foundation.