Libraries Leverage Training Centers to Help Seniors Enjoy “Golden Years”

One in five Ukrainians is a senior citizen, and with the aging population growing, libraries are taking action to create new opportunities for friendship, learning, and growth. In Lviv, librarians organized a program called “Golden Years” that built a community of older residents who learn IT skills and English, explore new hobbies like dancing and crafts, and develop their own initiatives. “I’m a computer pro now – I can write e-mails and talk over Skype,” boasts seventy-four-year-old Valeriy Pylypenko. Valeriy is joined by trainees like Zina Malukhyna, who values the familial atmosphere of the club: “The companionship that I found here helped me forget about my health problems.”

The Lviv Oblast Universal Scientific Library (OUSL) hosts one of several Regional Training Centers (RTCs) in Ukraine, all hubs for technology training and community development. In Lviv, the RTC has served 87 seniors aged 55-86 with their three-month program. Coordinator Olena Smatko believes, “There is no such thing as being too old to learn – instead, there are people with many different interests, and they can master modern technology to stay up to date.”

Zoloti Roky (Golden Years) kicked off in 2010 as a partnership between the local librarians, the Lviv City Council, the Institute for Civic Leadership, and an NGO called “Pidkova” (Horseshoe). According to a survey conducted by the library, most patrons were attracted by a chance to become active community members; to be on the same page with their children and grandchildren; to communicate with friends and relatives abroad; or to find a hobby.

In addition to the three month program, Zoloti Roky implements a wide range of events. In October 2011, the library hosted an Opportunity Fair for seniors, where elderly citizens could learn about NGOs, clubs, and community centers working with their age group. About 30 organizations presented their services, joined by a legal advice section and master classes on jogging, badminton, and crafts. The program worked with the Public Affairs Section of the US Embassy, the Lviv City Council, the Institute for Civic Leadership, and NGO “Samopomich” (Self-reliance) to publish a reference book for retirees with a list of government organizations providing advice on social security, legal matters, as well as housing and utilities free of charge. The next ambitious program goal is training volunteers for UEFA Euro-2012 Football Championship.

The Kharkiv library implements similar programs at their RTC. “We help active seniors adapt to a new environment, regain confidence, and contribute to community life,” says Kharkiv OUSL Deputy Director Yuliya Hotvyanska. Seniors receive training in basic IT skills, Internet navigation, social networking, and Skype communication in a friendly environment. Librarians find that trainees are most interested in following the news on the web, getting to know relevant legislation, and finding information on leisure time and hobbies.

Oblast Universal Scientific Libraries are demonstrating that they can use RTCs not only as training facilities, but community centers open to everyone. “The experience of this program proves that library is the right institution to make seniors feel important members of their nation, community, and family,” says Mrs. Shmatko.

Bibliomist is a five year IREX program that equips libraries with computers and helps librarians implement new services