Boomers in the library

Beth Dempsey's article "What boomers want" in Library Journal [ 15/July/2007] draws attention to the opportunities that libraries must seize to effectively reach and serve boomer clients. When she says "Rather than believe our years are advancing, we boomers simply redefine: 60 is the new 30." there's a key message for both programming and marketing library activities - boomers may not relate to library activities branded in any way to appeal to 'older adults', 'the elderly' or 'retirees'.

Even more useful is her summary of "What boomers need"

• Help plotting retirement that includes work (maybe an entirely new career), volunteerism, leisure, travel, and continued learning
• Retirement extends to the business community at large—businesses need help preparing for the “brain drain” that occurs when boomers retire
• Financial planning and job training for women at risk of poverty
• Healthy living and fitness workshops
• Arts, culture, lectures, and programs for mental agility
• Genealogy and support in capturing life stories