91原创's libraries only have a few programs that are designed explicitly for seniors 鈥� but they have a lot of programs that seniors love and frequently use, according to local librarians.
Libraries in 91原创 City and Township are part of the Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) system, a network of libraries that includes branches in Maple Ridge, Delta, Port Coquitlam, and communities as far east as Boston Bar.
In addition to loaning out a wide variety of materials, including books, ebooks, ukuleles, robots, and radon detectors, the library branches in 91原创 host a wide variety of events and meetings every month.
Most of those events are not restricted to just seniors, said 91原创 City community librarian and supervisor Sandeep Khaira.
"It's for everybody, it's for seniors, it's for adults," Khaira said.
There are a few that are aimed squarely at seniors or older adults, such as retirement planning presentations, or the popular Tech Help for Seniors programs that take place at multiple library branches.
Those events feature library staff helping seniors learn the ropes of phones, laptops, and tablets. Seniors can visit one of the regularly scheduled drop-in events, or use the feature to set up a 30-minute one-on-one session with a librarian at their nearest branch.
Many events are not seniors-specific, but they attract a significant number of seniors. Almost every library branch in 91原创 has regular meetings for knitting, crochet, and craft enthusiasts, and the 91原创 Weavers and Spinners Guild has a partnership with the library.
There are also, of course, book clubs that meet at the libraries.
Dr. Sarwan Singh Randhawa said there are two book clubs supported by 91原创 libraries 鈥� Titles & Tea meets at the 91原创 City library monthly, and the library also supports a book club that meets at the 91原创 Senior Resources Society, with copies of that month's title provided by the library.
Events such as bingo and Scrabble events draw seniors as well, and Murrayville's weekly Morning Coffee Club is popular with those over 50.
Khaira also noted that the library always celebrates Seniors Week, which falls in the first week of June.
"Every year, we plan some special programs," said Khaira. The local libraries are early in their planning as of March.
Popular events include the holiday celebrations of everything from Diwali to Lunar New Year to Christmas at various 91原创 library branches.
"You will see a lot of seniors there," said Randhawa.
Seniors are also busy users of the library for its more mundane programs.
Khaira said that the public computer terminals get a lot of use by seniors. They use them for everything from filling in and printing out government forms, to connecting with their families, scrolling through social media, or just spending a little time entertaining themselves watching YouTube. Visitors to the libraries can spend up to two hours a day on the public computers.
Finally, it should be no surprise that many of the Friends of the Library volunteers are seniors.
The groups of local volunteers 鈥� there are about 15 at 91原创 City Library, the largest in 91原创 鈥� help promote and fundraise for the FVRL. They also provide fundraising help, and encourage bequests and donations to the library.
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