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 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!
Books by Mail
This fast, convenient service provides books, audiobooks and videos to people who are homebound or have a visual disability.
Creative Aging
Multi-session art workshops for patrons ages 55 and older, led by a professional teaching artist.
More Services from BPL's SOA
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. Books-to-Go Application
+Bridging the Gap: Intergenerational Debate at BPL
Bridging the Gap: Intergenerational Debate
For Teens and Older Adults ready for a fun challenge and a chance to be heard…
Bridging the Gap is a 10-week intergenerational debate program in which elders [ages 55+] and youth [ages 14-19] will learn the art of debating and practice debate skills. There will be four weeks of instruction, two weeks of practice debates, with the last four weeks of the program featuring the debate tournament and leading to a championship round. An awards ceremony and reception will take place on the final day.
Over the course of the series sessions, participants will work in intergenerational pairs learning and practicing the art of debate. From what an argument is to crafting and developing a persuasive and impactful argument, Bridging the Gap will teach youth and older adults to develop and hone their research and public speaking skills. A podcast will be produced at the end of the series capturing the experiences, observations, and insights of the participants.
Youth and older adults have some of the same challenges, including social stereotyping and political underrepresentation. Bridging the Gap will provide a safe library space for generations to learn about one another while listening to one another. It’s where the fresh, creative energy from the young will pair with the useful, tested experience of older adults.
For more information on Bridging the Gap, please contact Berena Hughes at 718-236-1760 ext. 51143 or 929-466-1158 or email bhughes@bklynlibrary.org.
Bridging the Gap: Intergenerational Debate at BPL brought to you in partnership with and made possible by a grant from The Eisner Foundation
OSOS is an ongoing oral history project exploring Brooklyn from the words of its residents.
We reach beyond the Library to visit street fairs, senior residences, nursing homes, hospice care and more. Throughout Brooklyn, we host cultural programs, speakers and presenters at senior sites.
Upcoming Events
Creative Aging: Colorful Collage
In this 9-week series, we will move between collage and watercolor as a way to explore picture making. Working from still life, pictures and our imagination this class is a great way to have fun, develop your skill set and make new friends. Focus will be on composition, traditional…
Creative Aging: Inspired Creations
Our ‘Inspired Creations’ program invites Older Adults to explore the vibrant world of acrylic painting over nine weeks. Each session is designed to build upon the last, from foundational techniques to the nuances of personal expression. Participants will explore into various themes and topics,…
Flatlands Presents Chair Zumba For Seniors
Attend Chair Zumba at home via zoom or in person!
Register to receive the Zoom link or come to the Flatlands Library, 2065 Flatbush Avenue, to attend the virtual Chair Zumba program with your fellow community members.
Chair Zumba for Seniors is a 30 minute, seated, gentle…
Creative Aging: Unleash Your Movement at Macon Library
Unleash Your Movement is a 10-week program designed to energize your body, spark connection, and deepen your understanding of movement through a blend of partner dancing, yoga, and somatic practices. Each 90-minute class…
Creative Aging: Chinese Paper Cutting
In this 9-week series you willl learn to create beautiful pieces of art through the art of Paper Cutting.
No experience necessary. Supplies will be provided.
Registration Required. For more information, please contact McKinley Park Library at 718-748-8001.
Adult Coloring
Do you enjoy coloring? Join us on Tuesdays from 2:00 - 3:00 pm for this known stress reliever.
Weekly Craft Circle!
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.
Learn, share, and socialize.
(…
Paint Party with Merrill Matthews: Week Two
Join us for the second night of a two week painting workshop for adults, with instructor Merrill Matthews!
*Event is free and lasts two hours. Register here to attend!
*No previous drawing or painting experience required.
*All art supplies are included: one 16 x 20…
Creative Aging: Flower Power
Flower Power Description:
Let’s welcome Spring by creating beautiful flowers!
Join us in this amazing 9-week series. Participants will learn how to create and paint flowers while connecting and having fun with others.
You will learn to:
Paint flowers with…
Staff Picks
- History of NYC
- NYC Picture Books