Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes

By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is the noblest; Second, by imitation, which is the easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.
—Confucius

The New England Lifelong Access Libraries Leadership Institute took place in Newton, Massachusetts on December 1-2, 2008. Over 40 librarians from throughout New England attended, with the goal of getting tools, resources, and ideas to help them enhance public library services for older adults in their communities. I had the opportunity to attend and have written more extensive notes which you will find on the Lifelong Access blog. You will find slides from most of the presentations at the Lifelong Access Libraries website. Besides hearing “Stories from the Field” about successful programs, we had several opportunities to hear from experts outside the library field who apprised us of up-to-date research and data relating to aging and topics such as health, volunteering and employment.

One such speaker was Sharon Sokoloff, a gerontologist who directs the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Brandeis. The Osher Foundation currently provides funding for 122 similar institutes in 49 states. Though each program is unique, there are a few things they have in common: each provides classes, primarily of an academic nature, for adults 50 and over; each uses peer volunteers; and each is affiliated with a college or university.

Based on experience gleaned from many years devoted to later life education, Ms. Sokoloff expressed great enthusiasm for public libraries as similar learning hubs in the community. She also gave us some valuable words from Confucius on how to seek wisdom (see above). Although libraries may not be able to help with the other two ways, they can certainly provide opportunities for reflection, thereby supporting the most noble way of becoming wise.

Another speaker was Doug Lord from the Connecticut State Library. He encouraged us to “cook the spaghetti and throw it on the wall; if it sticks—go with it!” I must say, The New York Public Library is doing just that. Many of the branch libraries have started visiting their local senior centers to talk about what the library has to offer, register people for library cards, and invite the group over for interesting programs and classes. They have also started bringing over Nintendo Wii equipment, which many libraries own and loan. Wii bowling has proven to be one of the most popular activities at the centers, while a few other popular options are tennis, baseball, and golf.

Here is a brief rundown of ways in which some of the Bronx libraries and nearby senior centers have been collaborating:  read more »