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G2S Project Code: 2015-CT-75789
State: Connecticut
Fiscal Year: 2015
Grantee
SEYMOUR PUBLIC LIBRARY

Project Director
Director Name: Suzanne Garvey
Director Phone: 203-888-3903
Director Email: sgarvey@biblio.org
General Information
Title: Inspiration @ Your Library - Seymour Public Library
State Project Code:
Start Date: 07/01/2015
End Date: 09/30/2016
Abstract: In order to build interest and support for adult programming at the library, Seymour Public Library offered four series of classes specifically to attract older adult audiences: drawing (two series), memoir writing, and tai chi. Each series of classes offered a lifelong learning opportunity and the chance to learn new skills. Classes encouraged individuality and creativity in a supportive environment. Participants had the opportunity to meet other residents in the community, become involved, and share their experiences.


State Goal: Literacies and learning
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$4,935.00
$0.00
$2,370.75
$7,305.75
Intent(s)
Improve users' general knowledge and skills.
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Personal/Family health & wellness
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Classes
Narrative: Two series of art classes were held, each 4 sessions long, with art supplies provided by the library. Participants held a reception and exhibition of their work after the final drawing class in April. The library also offered a series of 6 tai chi classes and a memoir writing series that spanned 6 sessions with an author reading and reception afterward. In total, the library offered 20 classes and 2 receptions.

The tai chi classes were the most popular, with registration filling up two months in advance. The instructor emphasized the benefits of the activity in terms of continued health and mobility, and participants asked the library to purchase DVDs and books so they could continue the practice after classes ended.
 
Classes were held on Fridays when the Senior Center was closed specifically to attract that audience. Unfortunately, no senior center members (unless they were dedicated library users already) signed up for any of the programs.


Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 120
Number of sessions in program: 20
Average number in attendance per session: 12
Number of times program administered: 1


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Suburban
For what age groups: 50-59 years
60-69 years
70+ years
For what economic types: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Ethnicity Not Applicable
Is the activity directed at families: No
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: No
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: No
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: No
Is the activity category not already captured: No


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: SEYMOUR PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 46 CHURCH ST.
City: SEYMOUR
State: CT
Zip: 06483
Activity Details
Title: Library resources
Narrative: These resources were made available to all library patrons, not just class participants. The library purchased 23 print titles and 12 DVDs on the subjects of memoirs, drawing, painting, yoga, and tai chi to support the series. These titles became a part of the library's circulating collection, and they were played on the library's smart TV for groups of watchers.


Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Content
Mode: Acquisition
Format: Physical


Quantity
Number of hardware acquired: 0
Number of software acquired: 0
Number of licensed databases acquired: 0
Number of print materials (books & government documents) acquired: 23
Number of electronic materials acquired: 0
Number of audio/visual units (audio discs, talking books, other recordings) acquired: 12


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: SEYMOUR PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 46 CHURCH ST.
City: SEYMOUR
State: CT
Zip: 06483
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important findings or outcomes from your project:
Results were mixed about why the participants registered for the classes. In a question that allowed for multiple answers, 100% of participants reported that they wanted to learn the skill, and 40% also noted they wanted to complete a group activity. All participants wanted to enhance their lives.
Please briefly describe importance of findings:
Final survey results revealed that participants looked forward to the companionship aspect as much as learning a new skill.
What methods did you use to determine your findings? Check all that apply:
Survey
Review of Administrative Data
Participant Observation
Based on outputs, outcomes and/or other results, explain any significant lessons learned from these findings for either the SLAA or others in the LIS field:

Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort:
Yes: The library will use matching funds for any future programming but has little funding available from its own budget.
Do you anticipate any change in the project's scope:
Yes: With less funding, the library will be able to offer few classes.
Do you anticipate any other changes in the project:
No
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: Older adults