Library expands monthly tech help, bookmobile support and fraud-prevention outreach for seniors

Amanda, identified as library staff, briefed the commission on ongoing and planned library services for older adults, including monthly TechHelp clinics, expanded bookmobile assistance and a planned combined fraud-prevention presentation.

Amanda said the library will run TechHelp monthly at the senior center and that the bookmobile can provide one-on-one device help at public stops; staff will accept appointments for more complex needs such as laptops. She said the library has produced a bookmobile brochure that lists public stops and that those who need more in-depth assistance can book time for one-on-one help.

On the topic of fraud-prevention, Amanda reported she attended a presentation featuring the FBI, the Senior Medicare Patrol and the state attorney general’s office and proposed combining those organizations’ materials into a single offering for seniors covering Medicare fraud, identity theft and other scams. She said the library could assemble resources and offer the presentation to senior facilities and community groups.

Commission members raised the bookmobile’s current schedule and whether it visits Silver Lake Towers; library staff said the bookmobile makes twice‑monthly visits to facilities that request service and that there may be openings to add stops.

Members and library staff discussed publicity: the library uses a sign out front, brochures, targeted emails and other marketing; staff noted that reaching seniors who do not use email is a continuing challenge and urged coordination with the senior center for distribution of printed materials.