July 18, 2024

Topic: Local Authors & book events

Attendees:

Shannon, Hoover
Samm, Hoover
Loretta, BPL
Cara, Ctr Pt
Bridget, Homewood
Connie, Wylam
Tamara, Irondale
Lora, VH
Laura, BPL
Weston, BPL
PJessie
Saundra
Tywanna
Timilcir

Who did I miss?

NEXT ASRT SESSION: IN PERSON at O'Neal Library on Sept 19th at 10 am: ADULT PROGRAM SWAP!

View the recording: https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/JsQuwm-Abyt8iz1OiHJV5CHH6oKtlFoRTIvDv4svONq6z6IYr4O0UN0e604_OCdy.9gcmHAHryLLQi4uY

JCPLA Staff Day preparation for August 30: 2 sessions on book repair, discussion on adult summer reading and special collections Q & A, plus much more! ALLA will be there to talk about administrative code changes and how they will effect libraries.

Local Authors: In doing research, most of the "advice" out there is geared towards authors and how to get their books into the public library and how to get libraries to do book events.

Shannon: My experience at Hoover is that local authors don't attract that much of an audience, unless they come with a build-in support group. Hoover has developed an author submission page where people can submit their book for consideration. Here's a link to that page: https://www.hooverlibrary.org/author-submission.

BPL doesn't have a form, but they do have a page that addresses the libraries policies: http://www.cobpl.org/resources/marketing.aspx 

Loretta: BPL Central has its own local author collection (read about it here: https://bplolinenews.blogspot.com/2022/07/birmingham-public-library-introduces.html ) Not sure how circulation is but it gets great exposure and is great for support.

Hoover (Samm) has a very active writers group (Write Club) that meets monthly and a temporary display of books that have been published by those members was up in the Fiction Dept. The group has author talks, a "Flash Fiction" event and more. Feel free to email her at samm.hamilton@hooverlibrary.org for more information if you are interested in starting your own local writers group.

From Samm's perspective, the reason they donated their books is because it's easier to distribute through Amazon or BookBaby than it is through Ingram. Ingram doesn't pay small players a fair share. Local books also might take more time to manually catalog because they don't appear with MARC records. Local authors may not have the money to devote to cover design (AI is changing that though.) and we all know how important cover design is for circulation!

Loretta: Famous authors have to start somewhere! Promote the local authors before they become famous! A local authors collection is great for the community and the library is concerned about them. The local authors expo is great for people to see the works, purchase the works, and they donate books to the collection. If you want more specific information about the Local Author Expo, contact Loretta at Loretta.Jones@cobpl.org. The space at BPL first floor lends itself well to about 50 authors in one place. That's been the cutoff point so far.

Bridget: Local authors that walk in off the streets don't understand the process and how much time it takes to get a book into the collection. They won't donate the books, but want us to purchase them online. It takes us educating them on how the process works. It's not just an automatic thing to schedule a book talk. We also have to be nonpartisan and not show favoritism if the book is at all controversial. How do you highlight the books but not show favoritism? Does anyone out there get criticism for particular books highlighted?

Do we deal with speakers fees? The local authors expo charges the authors a fee ranging from $25 to $50. Authors need to understand that we can only do so much for a small event. We can't guarantee an audience or that people will purchase books either. It's great when local officials come to an event to support the library and authors. Besides exposure, the local authors gain experience in public speaking and promotion. Also, we don't give a speakers fee but if they sell books, that is all for them.

Local authors that draw a crowd: Robert Bailey (legal thrillers), Katherine Clark, Patti Callahan Henry, Ginny Duncan (Romantafantasy), Rachel Hawkins, Bobby Matthews (mystery writer up for an Anthony Award), Lauren Denton, Charles Ghigna (children's author), Joi Miner ("America's next great author"), Vallean Jackson, Jay Owens (very popular & sold lots of books), Zelma Glover-Willis, Micki Janae (YA scifi), LaDarrion Williams (https://www.shelbycountyreporter.com/2024/06/03/helena-native-becomes-new-york-times-bestselling-author/), Dr. R. Scot Duncan (Director at Alabama Audubon and published his 2nd book about AL rivers), Tina and James Braziel (Glass Cabin, poetry/essays), Vanessa Davis-Griggs and Joi Miner were "headliners" for the BPL Expo.

Loretta: 2023 BPL Local Author Expo author list: http://www.cobpl.org/programs/localauthors.aspx There is a committee that decides fees and more about the expo. The event goes from 10 am to 2 pm, with setup at 9 am. The authors invite their own audience and it is very well attended. Planning starts about 3 months in advance. There is a committee for attendance, food (light breakfast), gifts, name tags, greeters and table setup. Authors contact the library year round and authors work with EventBrite - they will send out information about attendance. "Local" for BPL means Alabama. Most authors are actually closer to Birmingham. Invitations are sent out in October; event is in November. PR Dept does publicity, including on Facebook a "local author spotlight". (Every library can do a local author spotlight on social media to promote local talent.)

Local author with a specific expertise, like Dr. R. Scot Duncan, do a program on that expertise and the author can sell the book there. I did his program on Alabama Rivers and had great attendance. AL Audubon is paying Dr. Duncan to do book talks around the state. Easy peasy! Academic books might fall into this category or may pose a unique challenge.

Bridget: Come on down!! July 23rd, Mildred J. Mills, at Homewood Public, will talk about her memoir about growing up in Alabama.

If you are curious about a comprehensive list of Alabama authors

Other information:

https://bhamnow.com/2023/12/19/6-local-authors-birmingham-book-world/

https://bhamnow.com/2022/03/02/new-releases-6-local-authors-with-page-turning-books-you-dont-want-to-miss/

https://bhamnow.com/2021/02/01/read-local-support-these-published-birmingham-authors/

https://birminghammomcollective.com/home-and-lifestyle/birmingham-authors-you-need-to-read/

Alabama Authors and their works:
http://www.lib.ua.edu/Alabama_Authors/

ALLA Authors Awards Committee: (pdf of AL award winners)
https://www.allanet.org/authors-awards

ASRT Meeting Minutes
Topic: "Extra" Services for Patrons & the Demise of the DVD/CD

Attendees:

(There were 32 total in attendance but I only captured the following names.)

Shannon, Hoover
Melanie, Hoover
Shanae, Hoover
Deidre, Bessemer
Daniel, Vestavia
Jennifer, BPL
Cara, Center Point
Kenyata, BPL
Tara, Clay
Lora, Vestavia
S Lewis, Smithfield
Thomas, O’Neal
Pam Jessie
Megan, Powderly
Saundra Ross
Noelle, Five Pts West
Tywanna, BPL FPW
Weston, BPL
Tamika, BPL FPW
Adrian Moultrie
Fontaine, Book by Mail
Joanne Brasseal
Erika, Southside
Katie, Five Pts West
Laura, BPL
Lynn, West End
User name: Timilcir
Tamara, Irondale
Bridget, Homewood
MJones, Books By Mail

RECORDING LINK: 1hr, 15m

https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/Dl2fmcHyCrOmGk2afwjR-yLRkUNSofJQfs5CNyNh9RfrVLJVcyqaU5nvAf-vaPRf.Tlc4Tke1nXwdv02C

In the News: Quick mention to everyone to keep following the news, especially the news coming out of the Autuga-Prattville and Trussville areas. Those two library systems in particular are receiving lots of pushback from those wishing to ban books at the public libraries. In Prattville, if you've read the news, they have fired the library director and many staff members. As of 3/25/24, the news is that "Clean Up AL" is now "volunteering" to fill in for staff. In Trussville, the library board supported the librarians but did remove some books based on circulation. And, as many of you are aware, AL Public Library Service has pulled out of the ALA, sparking controversy. The upshot is that we all need to be aware of what is going on in the state and in our own libraries. Stay up-to-date on your policies and board actions. There is a statewide Facebook group called "Read Freely Alabama" that has posted news as it happens. There is also Read Freely Greater Birmingham, for a more focused view. You can also follow what the Birmingham Democratic Socialist of America have to say and follow them.

Quick Note: not everyone can jump on Facebook to use the JCPLA Adult Services Roundtable group - whether it is to read about what's going on or post questions/suggestions. Thanks to Reeshawna Caddell at Pinson, we now have an Adult Services group in our MS Outlook/Teams application.The aim is to create a platform where we can discuss things, ask questions, and hopefully, get responses the same day about anything from materials, patron records, etc. without using Facebook. Here is the invitation link if you'd like to join: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/adultserviceslibrarians@bham.lib.al.us/groupsubscription.ashx?action=join&source=MSExchange/LokiServer&guid=057f7fb9-8c8a-4cc0-b058-e81a596c9f05

Notary Duties: Homewood has 5 notaries. Center Point has one (they charge $5) and Bessemer has one (they charge depending on what is being notarized.) According to a statewide mandate, "State, county, and municipal employees are not permitted to charge a fee for performing notarial acts during their public service unless otherwise provided by law12." This may be something that some libraries need to revisit. You can view more about the law here: https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-alabama/title-36-public-officers-and-employees/chapter-20-notaries-public/article-4-employment-of-notaries-public/section-36-20-74-fees#:~:text=No%20fee%20may%20be%20charged,unless%20otherwise%20provided%20by%20law.

 

Pros and Cons of Notary Services:  

Pros: Great for patrons after hours and weekends when city hall or wherever might be closed. And it's a great community service to have. It is a happy day to notarize marriages and adoptions. It might also be a happy occasion to sign divorce papers!

Cons: There are initial start-up costs including training, documentation, insurance (this is a yearly thing), etc. Very detailed documents might require witnesses (Hoover does not provide witnesses, nor does Bessemer.) 

These are LEGAL DOCUMENTS, therefore, very important to get it right! The patron very often will come in having already signed documents or not bringing all of the documentation needed. Or they are unclear as to what needs to be notarized. It is up to the discretion of the notary agent as to whether documents will be notarized. Bessemer's Deidre has some things she will not notarize depending on what the document is. Quick Claim Deeds are something Bessemer nor Homewood will notarize. If another agency refuses to notarize, I would probably not notarize it either!

Hoover strives to keep notary appointments but walk ins are handled on a case-by-case basis. Sometimes patrons' banks won't provide notary services unless it is a part of a bank transaction. THE MORE INFORMATION YOU KNOW ABOUT THE DOCUMENT TO BE NOTARIZED, THE BETTER! Save your patrons time and a trip by asking questions.

Here is a link to the JCLC Intranet Shared Resources, listing which libraries have notaries and passport services: http://www.jclc.org/aboutjclc/faqs/librarieswho.aspx (Last updated 2/22)

Hoover document: Notary Checklist

 

More links to know for notaries or those considering adding this service:

State of Alabama Notary Public Handbook

https://www.sos.alabama.gov/sites/default/files/notaries-public/notaryPublicHandbook.pdf

How to Prepare for Your First Notarization 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfRyg2AsKm4 

Authenticating IDs for Notarization 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OL2x6l1a5CI 

5 Most Common Types of Notarizations 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp32b1cNiU8 

How to Complete an Acknowledgement 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1cVNLc9IW0 

How to Certify a Copy of a Document 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3BeWoV-aQ8&list=RDCMUCOI0KM2NGffRZ6yLjPNS5kg&index=33 

How to Notarize a Power of Attorney 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4apu0ffrDQ&list=RDCMUCOI0KM2NGffRZ6yLjPNS5kg&index=2 

The Difference between Acknowledgments and Signature Witnessing 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-9ZULjA6iA 

How to Notarize Out of State Documents 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Efa9kMt61dU 

Can I Notarize Documents in Other States or Countries? 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h89FceJipU&list=RDCMUCOI0KM2NGffRZ6yLjPNS5kg&index=4 

How to Avoid Common Notary Certificate Mistakes 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXBR0ZHPnx8 

Notarizing on the Job: Don’s 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VarknxKmrsM&list=RDCMUCOI0KM2NGffRZ6yLjPNS5kg&start_radio=1&rv=VarknxKmrsM&t=8 

How to Recognize a Fraudulent ID 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJEI1EPZYoM 

The Importance of Requiring Personal Appearance 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2O6Lz-13Zs&list=RDCMUCOI0KM2NGffRZ6yLjPNS5kg&index=28 

How to Notarize When a Signer Can’t Be Present 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c519np0VYI&list=RDCMUCOI0KM2NGffRZ6yLjPNS5kg&index=34 

Completing High Risk Notarizations 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIhfX1Y-dfg&list=RDCMUCOI0KM2NGffRZ6yLjPNS5kg&index=34 

3 Court Cases Every Notary Should Know - Workshop 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb9IwCa0kos 

How to Fix a Bad Notary Seal Impression 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahcHsqRHO0Y&list=RDCMUCOI0KM2NGffRZ6yLjPNS5kg&index=33 

 How to Avoid Disqualifying Interest 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IVhDaNj6Fk&list=RDCMUCOI0KM2NGffRZ6yLjPNS5kg&index=20 

 How to Notarize for Family Members 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCdOHyrJLok&list=RDCMUCOI0KM2NGffRZ6yLjPNS5kg&index=27 

Professor Closen’s Notary Best Practices 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mV93XyDF30&list=RDCMUCOI0KM2NGffRZ6yLjPNS5kg&index=10

Passport Services: 

Actually a money maker for the library. Hoover is still working on the details to engage our passport services office. As with notaries, there is a great deal of training and details that go into the process of offering passport services. 

Daniel Tackett has been doing it since 2016/17 (best to have questions go to Daniel! sorry!) 

The Good News: Vestavia Hills will likely clear about $60,000/year just from passport services. That includes a $35 execution fee and $15 for photos. VH has several registered passport agents, each serving an hour rotation on the schedule. They book 1-hour for each passport appointment - it may take less but it also might run long depending (on average 25-30 minutes per appt). The downtown library has also got a long running passport service office. 

The Bad News: staff time: do you dedicate staff? can you utilize part-timers? (not recommended) Daniel strongly suggests not dealing with walk ins. VH works with appointments only and are booked at least one month in advance. Central used to do appointments but that wasn't effective, so now they do walk ins only on a first come, first serve basis. Training is also time-consuming and can take more than a week per person. (Some training can just take a few hours but the initial outlay of training may take longer.) Note: Bessemer does not do passport photos! Patrons have to bring the passport photos with them.

YOU NEED STAFF MEMBERS THAT ARE DETAIL-ORIENTED!

It is very bad form to have library generated passports returned from the US Dept of State. VH in one year only had 9 returned (one of the best in JeffCo!)

Another consideration: Space considerations. Need space that is more private and quiet so that both staff and patron can get it right.

Lastly, once you invest time and space and staff to this, you can't really stop doing it. Think long and hard, weigh the pros and cons.

ALA's Running a passport service at your library.

US State Department, Become a passport agency.

Vestavia Hills webpage on passport services.

BPL webpage on their passport services.

Feel free to email daniel.tackett@vestavialibrary.org for specific questions not covered here.

Bessemer's webpage, scroll down to see how they do passports!

OTHER SERVICES:

Center Point has "subscription boxes" for those that sign up for it. It may include books, movies, and special surprises. It's just begun but should be great for a small library encouraging patron participation! These boxes are curated by staff members.

Operation Hope: City of Birmingham "America's Financial Wellbeing Coach HUD Certified Housing Counselors.These services are free to libraries and they will come to your facility to give financial literacy workshops, etc.

Bestsellers Clubs, who has them? 

Alabama Symphony Tickets are also available at several branches.

DEMISE OF THE DVD/CDs:

PLEASE NOTE: Books by Mail (Fontaine Alison at BPL) still utilizes books on CD and would like patrons to know if you are weeding your collections, please send her a list of those IN GOOD CONDITION that could be added to BPL's Books by Mail collection. DO NOT SEND anything unless Fontaine or her staff have looked over what you have on offer. Most often, they have cozy, inspirational books because that demographic wants that. Disabled patrons cannot always afford streaming services or are able to utilize e-digital services and that is what Books by Mail is all about. Her patrons also still like playaways.Your "list" for Fontaine might just be a screenshot from Sierra of what you are weeding. Be kind and contact her first - fontaine.alison@cobpl.org.

Most libraries are re-focusing their budgets, moving monies from books on CD and DVD/Blu-Ray to e-services or streaming services.Circulation is going down for DVDs and it is so costly for books on CD that these services have to be reconsidered.

After speaking with Samuel Rumore at SR, he told me that they are trying to focus on purchasing things not necessarily offered by streaming services, such as series. 

Shanae King at Hoover spoke about how things have changed over her 15 years of doing Movie/Series collection development. In the last 5 years, many-multiple-copies of popular movies circulations have declined. She has changed what she keeps and what she grows. Constant weeding is necessary so that the collection stays relevant and in good enough condition. Good core users of series are those that cannot afford streaming services. MidWest services does a good job of keeping up with trends and re-evaluating the way you package DVDs, etc. (Movie bundles,etc.)

Homewood has a wonderful core movie collection and they do specific things to keep people interested in their DVD collection by encouraging circulation.

LaunchPads are still very popular in the branches. Also good circulation for music CDs. They have a reward program that gives out free passes to local sites and events such as Barber Motorsports, etc. Use creative ideas to get your circulation stats up!

Keep in mind it might be worth it to invest in some CD players, DVD players to be checked out by patrons, perhaps in your "library of things" for those that might need them.

Center Point, opened since 2020, has no CD music collection at all, but DVDs are still circulating well.

Thank you for everyone that had the time to attend!!!

 

January 18, 2024

Topic: Partnerships: JustServe and Alabama Humanities Alliance

Attendance:
Bridget, Homewood
Weston, BPL
Lora, Vestavia Hills
Tamara, Irondale
Lynn, West End
Alisa, BPL
Katie, Trussville
Nicole, Tarrant
Ellen, Avondale
Laura, BPL
Tywanna, BPL
Leslie, Avondale
Msplane

For those of you unable to attend, here is the link to the roundtable discussion via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/Ed4vOKPczNnnY7mUYj2jeGk6aOm7JCM161Wfji6Z6zuFdppy-RRI-3E1AKNSetTu.LM9BryVBoD7rPb0P

We welcomed two speakers to the meeting. The first is Karli Piennette (karli.justserve@gmail.com, 801-910-5662) from JustServe.org This nationwide (and 15 country-wide) organizational database offers opportunities for volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to find volunteer opportunities whether they are one-time projects or ongoing projects by nonprofit organizations. It is a great tool to use with patrons that may need volunteer hours or those that are just looking to connect. The database allows you to search by topic (want to work with animals? want to work with kids? etc.) or geographic location or by title of the organization. On the flipside, nonprofits (like a library's Friends group) can call a regional representative of JustServe for tips on entering their organization and projects. There are also many opportunities for people to volunteer remotely. If you don't already have an entry for your library, it would be well worth your time to call on JustServe. Also, Karli and everyone at JustServe know the nonprofit sector well. The database is kept up-to-date with websites, contact information, etc. If you have a need, call on them for help! You won't regret it!

We also welcomed Laura Anderson (landerson@alabamahumanities.org or 205.558.3992) from the Alabama Humanities Alliance. Laura comes from a archivist background and now works as the Director of Partnerships and Outcomes (great title, right?) at AHA. She came to discuss two sides of her work - AHA's Speakers Bureau Roads Scholars and AHA's granting process and procedures. For those seeking speakers, the Roads Scholars Speakers Bureau can provide a wealth of informative and stimulating programming opportunities. When looking at the listing of speakers, the first step is to directly reach out to the scholar with the contact information given to verify whether the speaker is available. Your next step is to book the scholar by filling out the form and submitting to AHA. They need at least 45 days notice to book a scholar. The first scholar you book will cost you $50, and $75 for each additional scholar. AHA helps by producing press releases and they do more with marketing too. AHA pays the scholar an honorarium and round trip travel expenses. Laura is working to add scholars and is excited to promote the 50th Anniversary of the Roads Scholar program.

There are several ongoing and upcoming projects that might be interesting to libraries. "Healing History" is "a collaborative initiative is designed to strengthen our communities, workforces, and state by helping Alabamians examine their shared history and get to know each other better. Across race, religion, politics, and all the supposed dividing lines that shouldn’t keep us apart. We aim to build trust, foster empathy, and grow community through mutually respectful discussions about our shared past, present, and future." This initiative might be something a library can host for their community. Read more here: https://alabamahumanities.org/program/healing-history/ There are examples of the project in action. Also check out AHA's Past Forward, which is an entry point for understanding Healing History.

There are also some traveling exhibits that may interest libraries. One that is already in place is the Crossroads project and one that is still looking for host sites is Spark! Innovation project. 

For consideration for grants, there is a option to "schedule a call" with Grants Director Graydon Rust. They have different categories of grants. One of the most popular is the Mini grant which gives up to $2,500 with no matching restrictions - those applications are accepted each month throughout the year. Then there are bigger grants that are accepted quarterly and might have matching requirements. For more information, Mr. Rust is open to discussing your ideas and working with you. Of course, it must have a Humanities angle, but the process is fairly simple.

I hope you find some of this information useful! Next meeting will be on WEDNESDAY, March 20th via Zoom. We will be discussing services to patrons such as passports, notaries, social services and the like. We will also be discussing what various libraries are doing about dwindling CD and books on CD collections, along with DVDs and Blu-Rays. Bring your ideas and your thoughts to share!

ASRT Topic: Senior Resources, Tools and Services
November 16, 2023

Attendees:
Shannon, Hoover
Lynn, West End
Bridget, Homewood
Liz, Five Pts West
Leslie, Avondale
Samm, Hoover
Caroline, Gardendale
Deidre, Bessemer
Holley, O'Neal
Gelenda, Southside
Ellen, Avondale
Lora, Vestavia Hills
Nicole, Tarrant
Fontaine, Books by Mail
Laura,
TWest

This topic is near and dear to our hearts as seniors comprise a bulk of our recurring patrons. What materials we provide, services we offer, programs we plan and outreach we do, all have a huge impact. 

Dee from Bessemer started us off by describing her Health Fair at Bessemer Library. From the sounds of it, this needs to be a regular part of every library's plans. With Medicare and insurance open enrollment, there is a lot of confusion about available governmental services. There is also Social Security to consider.  By having representatives of these agencies, a health fair can aid seniors. Someone will also be there to help with wills, advanced directives and the like. There is also a JeffCo Agency on Aging and reps from Arthritis, Alzheimers and Dementia associations. The fair is to be held on 12/7 - we know it will be a huge success! 

Fontaine Alison, from BPL's Book By Mail program told us more about the services they provide, sending both large print and audiobooks to those that qualify for the service. By the way, librarians are qualified to deem a patron eligible for books by mail services, unlike the state service for the blind and disabled which requires a medical professional (which in and of itself is not a hard thing to obtain.) Patrons often ask for Playaways as they are easy to use but as we know, they are not reliable or durable or inexpensive. Technology makes it possible for a large number of disabled patrons to use electronic devices but this poses a problem for blind patrons. Devices from the state allow for the easy loading of about 8 books but do not save your place (!) Patrons are asking more for devices to play CDs. Which also poses a problem as books on CD decline in availability, rise in costs, and their circulation declines. We engaged in a conversation on libraries predicament with books on CD.

Fontaine would be glad to make herself available to any library or senior group that is interested in this service. You can reach her at Fontaine.Alison@cobpl.com. Thanks for all you do, Fontaine!!

For more information about services provided by the state agency, APLS, check out this website https://aplsws2.apls.state.al.us/library-for-the-blind/ They are a very helpful bunch and can open up the world for those in need.

Leslie from Avondale was talking about something she heard about called "Memory Cafe" where there are cognitive activities for seniors - according the internet "Memory Cafés are a comfortable, social gathering that allow people experiencing memory loss and a loved one to connect, socialize, and build new support networks. Cafés are free to attend and welcome to all." This sounds like an intriguing concept! Some libraries circulate cognitive care kits that could include puzzles, crosswords, word searches and the like to keep a mind active. I've also heard of kits that are topic-based and are meant to recreate memories, like old ads and old newspapers from a certain time to trigger memories that might have faded. (I wish JCLC could come up with a list of libraries with these types of resources, or are they searchable in the catalog?)

One great annual service libraries provide, if they can, is the AARP Tax Service. At Hoover, those services have been expanded by adding days they are available. One thing that is requested over and over again is help in filling out forms online. Because EVERYTHING is now online, seniors require help when usually they would make a phone call. We even heard from Liz that Vets are required by places like Home Depot to go online and essentially prove they are vets and require uploading of IDs to get a 10% discount rather than just showing their IDs at the door!! If things progress like this, there will be no end to what patrons will need to do online: jobs, unemployment, SSI, school enrollment, etc. We must employ patience and provide help where we can. Other solutions might be scheduling times for seniors to be helped out on an individual basis. Ellen from Avondale mentioned a Teen Tech program that pairs seniors with teens to help them with things like iPhones, etc. Perhaps that could be adapted to this purpose?

Deidre brought up a good resource that we probably overlook: the "Dummie" books are helpful in that they provide step-by-step instructions on almost everything. These might be helpful in instruction for seniors as a way to give them some tangible help.

Several libraries have onsite blood pressure devices and some have them to circulate. There might be other medical devices that could be helpful in addition. Any ideas?

A lot of libraries already provide passive programs that can be offered with seniors. Arts & crafts, puzzles, large coloring sheets, take and makes for adults, again -- anything to occupy the mind and body. Chair yoga is also a great suggestion (Frannie James does chair yoga in Birmingham.) Other senior focused programming includes genealogy (call BPL experts downtown), Samford String Orchestra, Seasoned Performers, Niki Sepsis - local historian, September Reed - crafts, "Historic Hometown Theatre", Swedish death cleaning, the list goes on. There are so many programming options that could be done in library or at senior facilities.

Tamara at Irondale wasn't able to attend but added what she is doing:

"The director of our senior center asked me to offer a class there about smart phones. I suggested doing two classes (one for iPhones, one for Android). I guess the seniors must have liked the programs at least somewhat, because some came to both classes, but I'll do it differently next time. The plan was to gather questions or topics of interest from the seniors in advance, but I didn't receive any in advance. I prepared for topics that I thought might interest them, but most of the questions ended up being very specific (how to start a new email in Gmail, how to use an app their self-defense instructor mentioned, etc.). In the future, I plan to do a narrower focus with the classes. I plan to do one on Gmail, one on Libby and hoopla, etc. I also went to the senior center recently as a guest speaker to kick off their new book club. I won't regularly be a part of the club, which is a shame because it sounds like it will be a blast!

A senior living facility near us recently requested outreach programs. Since most of their residents aren't able to visit the library or senior center in person, this is a great opportunity to recycle programs I'm already doing. This month, we'll be doing an envelope craft that was previously a library program. After the holidays, they would like me to do the same smartphone topics I'll be doing at the senior center. I'm excited about this partnership as an opportunity to reach a new audience with programs I'm already doing." 

If you have more ideas, please share them on the blog site or on the ASRT Facebook group.

Our next meeting will be Thursday, January 18, 2023 at 10 am via Zoom. Our focus will be on JustServe (connecting nonprofits with volunteers) and how they can be of use to libraries and their patrons. Also, we will try to have a representative from the Alabama Historical Society's Speakers Bureau.