This last week 18 Idaho public librarians attended a three day institute in Portland, Oregon, which focused on trends and issues of aging such as health, finance and economic security, spirituality, work and service.

Congratulations to the 16 individuals from Idaho libraries who completed a year-long fellowship focusing on libraries services for midlife adults ages 50+, along with 74 Fellows from 11 other states.   The Fellowship began with a 3-day Institute in Portland last September.  During the past 9 months the Fellows focused on community assessment, prog

One of the most exciting programs I learned about during the Transforming Life After 50 Fellowship (TLA50) was a partnership between Multnomah County Library http://www.multcolib.org/  and Hands on Greater Portland http://www.handsonportland.org/ called Books to Action.   Community members read

Five members of the newly formed Mid-Life Adult Advisory Committee (MLAAC) presented at the Annual ILA Conference in Boise this past October. Their presentation Baby Boomers and Beyond focused on library programs and services for the Boomer Generation. Apparently there was alot of interest as it was standing-room only for the one-hour presentation.

The NY Times had an inspiring article in their November 11 issue on the creative use of volunteers. Given tight budgets and expanding needs, libraries everywhere are looking for more ways to use volunteers effectively and in a variety of roles.  If your library is one of these, you might find this an interesting read.

Here is a brief excerpt from the article:

The economy of the last few years has made many aware of the need for more financial literacy.  The American Library Association partnered with the FINRA Investor Education Foundation to create  http://smartinvesting.ala.org/, a program that addresses the growing need for unbiased financial and investor education at the

Ok, all you small libraries out there: listen up! I know how hard it is to get excited about one more program.  As you think of all the time and effort it will take to get it moving, you think:  "Where is all that time and effort supposed to come from?"  You of course!

I participated in a fantastic webinar on the changing face of volunteers today.  The presenter was Jill Fixler, a long time Volunteer Coordinator and consultant.  I was surprised to learn Idaho ranks really high in both the percentage of persons who volunteer (34%) and the average number of hours volunteered.  Jill provided wonderful insights into how volunteers can be used

Piggybacking on Rebecca Melton's earlier blog, Dr.