Phoenix Forum on Aging Hails Libraries as Lifelong Learning Centers

http://www.ala.org/ala/alonline/currentnews/newsarchive/2005abc/march2005ab/phoenixforum.cfm

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Posted March 4, 2005.

Phoenix Forum on Aging Hails Libraries as Lifelong Learning Centers

Library representatives offered their views on the role libraries play in helping citizens age productively at a public forum in Phoenix, Arizona, organized by the Gerontological Society of America. “Engaging Older Adults in Society,” held February 25 at Phoenix’s Burton Barr Central Library, featured a special panel on “libraries as a civic engagement opportunity” that included Gloria Coles, director of the Lifelong Access Libraries initiative of the Americans for Libraries Council.

“Local libraries are in every community across the country, connecting people across economic and ethnic lines,” Coles said. “It is a gateway for lifelong learning.” She described the initiative as an effort to provide professional development for librarians in seven states.

Also on the panel was Arizona State Librarian GladysAnn Wells, who presented testimony on new approaches to serving older adults in the state, including a project developed by the Glendale Public Library and a new center for active older adults in rural Parker.

The forum was one of a series of events that will contribute to planning for the 2005 White House Conference on Aging, scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., October 23–25.

Posted March 3, 2005.