This is Older Americans' Month
Alongside May Day, Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day, and many other things that this month is known for, May is also designated as “Older Americans’ Month.” In 1963, this celebration was originally titled “Senior Citizens Month” by President Kennedy; it was President Carter’s administration that re-named it Older Americans Month in 1980.
Sponsored by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) this national recognition is a time thank older Americans’ for their countless contributions to our communities, volunteerism chief among them. In addition, Older American’s Month helps to highlight the nation’s aging trends and reaffirm the commitment of civic organizations to care for older adults in all communities.
The 2025 theme is “Flip the Script on Aging,” looking at how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging. From the Older Americans’ website “This recognition encourages individuals and communities to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions. This year, join us in honoring older adults’ contributions, exploring the many opportunities for staying active and engaged as we age, and highlighting the opportunities for purpose, exploration, and connection that come with aging.
Every President since JFK has issued a formal proclamation in May asking that the entire nation pay tribute in some way to older persons in their communities. Making Older Americans Month a perfect occasion for library book displays, bulletin boards, social media shout-outs. The OAM website suggests ideas such as
- Askng older adults to be guest readers at library storytimes
- Host a board game night involving youngsters and seniors
- Host a musical event for all ages that could include a karaoke party; invite seniors who are musically inclined to play instruments, sing, dance
- Set up a “technology petting zoo,’ displaying the tech of yesterday alongside today’s techie tools
Lots more programming ideas on the OAM website linked below, plus graphics and social media posts to help with your own local promotions. And why not share your plans with each other on Library Talk!
Coming in June
Join us in June for three—Free—one hour webinars featuring the 2025 All Iowa Reads authors. Each author will share insights about their book, their writing process, and answer your questions.
These webinars are a classic reason to hold watch parties at your library. Why not hold 3, one for each author talk! It’s easy summer programming for all ages to enjoy.
Look ahead, save the dates, and promote these author talks @ your library. Registration is open at the button below.
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Tuesday June 17. 6:30-7:30PM. Distant Sons by Tim Johnston (adult title)
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Wednesday June 18. 1:00-2:00PM. Jawbreakerby Christina Wyman (kids title ages 8-12)
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Wednesday June 25. 3:00-4:00 PM. Rez Ball by Byron Graves (teen title ages 13-18)
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Free Webinar From BookBrowse
Some of you may already be a subscriber of BookBrowse, an online newsletter that’s very helpful in announcing newly published books of interest to public library patrons. In addition to readers advisory content, Book Browse also includes tips for local book clubs: from favorite titles that book groups are enjoying to suggestions for leading discussions to organizing the timing and the structure of their meetings for best results.
BookBrowse provides free resources—like a newsletter and this upcoming webinar—as well as paid memberships. To learn more, catch a free webinar on May 14 at 12:00PM CST centered on the ways in which BookBrowse supports local library book clubs. Since this is a free webinar, why not make this a watch party at your library and invite your book discussion groupies to watch together! Here’s what’s on tap:
- The resources (free and paid) that BookBrowse has curated for selecting book discussion books, generating rich discussions, and leading book groups.
- The latest research about book club participation and growth nationally
- A sneak peak of their latest book club project, building on our Inner Lives of Book Clubs report
Plus, registrants will receive access to a Book Club Health Check survey template, as well as an option to trial BookBrowse for Libraries. Be sure to tell your book club groupies and register at the button below.
Director Roundtables
continue this week and throughout this month. There are two tomorrow May 6--one at Sully, one at Iowa City. Catch one on Wednesday May 7 at Greenfield, with three more this Thursday May 8--in Wall Lake, Shenandoah, and Burlington.
All told, 15 dates and locations statewide. To find one near you, browse the full schedule below.
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