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Library Services for Older Adults

A photo of the gold sunset sea in the background. Foreground is a white wave shape with “SD Public Library” logo at the top. Underneath is the words “RESOURCES FOR OLDER ADULTS in large gold and black letters.

San Diego Public Library values our older patrons and is proud to provide a place to gather and socialize with community members of all ages. The library regularly hosts programming tailored to the needs of older patrons and provides a wealth of resources on healthy and happy aging. 

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Featured Events

Illustration of a softly smiling woman with her eyes closed hands pressed together with botanical decoration in the back and an illustration of a brain over her head. 

Brain and Body Strong

Participate in a group training class where you will practice your sensory-motor skills, balance, coordination, processing skills, and more to enhance your cognitive, physical, social, and emotional wellbeing through an integrated proven approach. 

Photograph of an older woman with short brown hair and black framed glasses. She is sitting in a wooden chair with her arms stretched above her head, a shoulder width apart, as she looks up towards the ceiling. She is wearing a white, ¾ sleeve shirt and the wall behind her is beige.

Mind-Body Fitness for Older Adults

  • Tuesday, April 16, 2024 | 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 

    La Jolla/Riford Library
  • Tuesday, April 30, 2024 | 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

    La Jolla/Riford Library

Mind-Body Fitness for Older Adults is a restorative and contemplative class designed to promote physical and emotional balance, release stress, and create greater inner awareness through Hatha Chair Yoga.

This class blends modified yoga postures, breathing techniques, and meditation with the core principles of Hatha Yoga.

Great for individuals who have difficulty standing or sitting on the floor.

Photograph of two women and a man gardening; they are all smiling, wearing differently colored plaid overshirts. The woman on the left is pulling a newly bought plant out of the original pot while the man holds the pot in place with one hand. The second woman is preparing a spot for that plant in a larger planter with other plants.

Garden Exchange

  • Saturday, April 6, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

    Rancho Peñasquitos Library
  • Saturday, April 20, 2024  | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

    Rancho Peñasquitos Library

Stop and Swap: Seeds, Plants, Veggies, Fruits, Flowers and More! 

Too many zucchinis? Lots of cut flowers? Succulents getting too big? Fruits and Veggies galore? Ordered too many radish seeds? Whatever you have extra may be just what a neighbor would like to try in their garden! Bring your garden's extras to share with other gardeners in the community.  

Everything is free - even gardening advice from neighbors in the community! Garden Exchange is scheduled on the first and third Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and takes place on the front plaza of the Rancho Peñasquitos Branch Library – tell your friends!

Vector drawing of a tree where the leaves are multi-colored and there are stick figure drawings of people interspersed between them.

Living Well for Adults Seminar Series - Genetic Genealogy Roundtable

Wednesday, April 10, 2024 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Rancho Peñasquitos Library

At the Genetic Genealogy Roundtable, topics discussed may include the following, plus any questions attendees may have for the group, or experiences participants may want to share with community members:

  • What will I learn if I take a DNA test? 
  • How do I interpret the ethnicity estimates of a DNA test? 
  • I thought my ancestors were from somewhere other than what the DNA estimates suggest! 
  • Am I really related to all these people listed as DNA matches? 
  • What does it mean if a cousin is “once removed”? 

All are welcome, from newbies to long time researchers!

Photograph of a series of technology resting on a blue painted, wooden table. A Macbook computer is partially cut off in the lower left corner, with a tablet prominently featured in the middle on top of a sheet of printer paper.

Tech Tuesdays

Tuesday, April 16, 2024 | 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Balboa Library

At the Genetic Genealogy Roundtable, topics discussed may include the following, plus any questions attendees may have for the group, or experiences participants may want to share with community members:

  • What will I learn if I take a DNA test? 
  • How do I interpret the ethnicity estimates of a DNA test? 
  • I thought my ancestors were from somewhere other than what the DNA estimates suggest! 
  • Am I really related to all these people listed as DNA matches? 
  • What does it mean if a cousin is “once removed”? 

All are welcome, from newbies to long time researchers!

Upcoming Events

Today
3pm - 4pm

Dancing With Dignity Performance

Elementary School Age, Middle School Age, Teens, Emerging Adults, Adults, Older Adults

Today
3pm - 4pm

Discovery Concert Series

Elementary School Age, Middle School Age, Teens, Emerging Adults, Adults, Older Adults

Today
3pm - 5pm

Friction: Wet Felting Basics With Yasmine K. Kasem and ArtReach

Teens, Emerging Adults, Adults, Older Adults

Today
4pm - 5:30pm

Hangout Hub

Emerging Adults, Adults, Older Adults

Today
6pm - 7pm

Dancing With Dignity Performance

Elementary School Age, Middle School Age, Teens, Emerging Adults, Adults, Older Adults

Memory Kits

Family, friends and care-givers across all generations can enjoy stimulating conversations & quality time with these fun, take-home games! Find the following at each branch, and more!

Two yellow boxes labeled “skiing” and “knitting” and a green canister in a brown cardboard box with green shapes.

Conversation Card Games 

Available in a "Hobbies" or "Jobs" category. Each game ignites lively conversation and debate around each category. This game challenges players to share differences, commonalities, and opinions.

 
A white DVD case and DVD with ”Remembering the 1960s” in retro pink, orange and purple letters with tie dye background and a cartoon hippie.

Favorite Things 

Available in a "Remember the 1950s" or "Remember the 1960s" kit. Each kit includes a DVD that brings together a collection of everything from that decade, photo cards, & booklets featuring highlights of each decade.

 
Teal, purple, yellow, orange, pink, and blue boxes labeled 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and 00’s REWIND on a teal background.

Set of Six Decade Rewinds 

Includes six, time capsule booklets highlighting the best from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, & 2000s. Featuring vintage color ads & decade stats about sports, news, music, movies & more! 

 
A white gameboard with yellow, red and green tiles and cards and spinner in the background. A blue game box with ”Call-to-Mind" in dark blue letters in the foreground.

Call-to-Mind 

A stimulating, people-centered board game that's been tested and proven to stimulate, entertain and promote communication. Enjoy quality time with family, friends and care-givers across all generations!

Community Resources

  • Oliver McMillan I CAN! Center

    The I CAN! Center at the Central Library has assistive technology available onsite for patrons to use. I CAN also offers limited Homebound Services and Library-by-Mail programs. 
  • AgeWell Services

    San Diego City Parks and Recreation offers social events, free lunch, fitness classes, and more for older residents through AgeWell services. 
  • San Diego County Aging & Independence Services

    Find resources on meals, mental health, financial/legal & health insurance services for older adults living in San Diego County. 
  • Access 4 All Tech Training

    Learn how to best use your computer, phone, and other technology to connect with family, friends, and resources with free tech training and assistance through the San Diego Futures Foundation. 
  • Digital Navigator Program

    Get help with basic tech support, low cost computers, free or low-cost internet subscriptions, and online programs to access education, housing assistance, and more by scheduling an appointment with a Digital Navigator or calling the toll-free helpline at 1-800-350-6945 
  • Senior Food Program

    Find monthly supplemental food packages for income-eligible senior citizens (60+) at over 70 distribution sites throughout San Diego County.
  • Lost Memories/Recuerdos Perdidos

    Recuerdos Perdidos is a telenovela produced by Alzheimer’s Los Angeles that informs families and caregivers about Dementia, making families feel less alone and more aware.
  • Alzheimers San Diego

    Resources, events, and support for people living with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones.
  • Career Pathways- Get Set Up

    Live online classes on technology use, hobbies, and wellness. 

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