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Public Library

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. 

 

Featured Events


Drawing of a yellow flag with green borders and orange and white sparkles. ”Health is Wealth” is written on it in black letters.

Living Well for Adults Seminar Series: Move Waste from Your Waist
Wednesday, July 10 | 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Rancho Penasquitos Library

Waist size is a strong indicator of our overall Health. Find out how to remove toxic waste and eliminate the health-harming chemicals belly fat produce.

Presenter: Sonia Cervantes, Certified Health Coach, Nutritionist, & Therapeutic Chef

MORE EVENTS IN THIS SERIES


A bag filled with dice with various amounts of sides from 6-20 in all different colors and patterns.

Board Game Afternoon + Learn to Play DnD! 
Thursday, July 11 | 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Mission Hills/Hillcrest Library

Have someone in your family who wants to learn how to play chess? Join us for our revamped Board Game Afternoon program now with Chess lessons!  Not interested Chess? No problem, we will have a variety of board games, STEAM activities and even a Dungeons & Dragons campaign for those who have wanted to learn how to play D&D.  


Illustration of a booth with a green cover. There are potted plants in front of it and hanging from the top, along with watering cans and flower beds.

Community Plant Swap 
Saturday, July 13 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
City Heights/Weingart Library

Join us for Community Plant Swap!

Bring your plant cuttings, seedlings, surplus harvest or plants that need a new home to swap with other gardeners. All types of plants are welcome—please label if possible.  

Complete a gardening activity, check out seeds from the City Heights Seed Library, take home compost samples from the City of San Diego's Miramar Greenery, and meet other local gardeners.   


Green book cover with red lettering that says ”Rain Breaks no Bones” and a collage of old photos shaped like a fish next to a photo of a smiling woman with brown hair, glasses, and a blue shirt.

Author Barbara J. Taylor in Conversation with Kaylie Jones 
Tuesday, July 23 | 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
La Jolla/Riford Library

Join bestselling author, Barbara J. Taylor, in conversation with renowned author Kaylie Jones and dive into Barbara’s latest novel, Rain Breaks No Bones. Set in 1955, this page-turner explores a family’s legacy of loss and a sometimes mystical vision of a better tomorrow. 


A photograph of a pile of loteria cards. Visible at the top are ”La Rosa” a blue card with a red rose, ”La Luna” a darker blue card with a crescent moon, and ”El Diablito” a yellow card with a red devil.

Bilingual Spanish Conversation Night 
Monday, July 29 | 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Carmel Valley Library

Bilingual Spanish/English conversation night - Practice your Spanish by playing Loteria and mingling with others! This is an interactive event where we can talk, play games, and learn about Latino Culture.  


Drawing of a daisy sitting with stem-legs crossed and stem-arms raised above their head in a meditative pose.

Meditation for a Happy Life
Monday, August 12 | 5:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
Mission Valley Library

Learn and practice meditation, improve harmony at home and at work, and build your wisdom and inner peace.  This secular and modern approach to traditional Buddhist teachings is led by Ashley Davis, co-founder of The Center for Harmonious Living.  


Illustration of two people sitting at a table drinking coffee.

Cafecito con Alzheimer’s San Diego: Estrategias de Comunicación 
Wednesday, August 28 | 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Otay Mesa-Nestor Library

Venga a hablar sobre cómo nos comunicamos con los nuestros sobre la demencia.

Gratis y abierto al público. Para más información llame 858.492.4400 o visite alzsd.org/classes. Escúchenos en la estación RCN 1470 el primer jueves del mes para saber nuestras próximas clases.

La clase es en español pero el instructor es bilingüe. 

Upcoming Events

Jul 19
12am - 12am

Your Life as a Graphic Novel Memoir: Take-Home Art Journaling Kits

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

Today
10am - 4pm

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Emerging Adults, Adults, Older Adults

Today
10am - 4:30pm

U.S. Passport Pop-up Event

Emerging Adults, Adults, Older Adults

Today
10am - 6pm
Today
3:30pm - 5pm

Chess Club

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. 


Book Recommendations