Encinitas library staff urge better transportation access for older patrons

Encinitas library staff and a public commenter told the Senior Citizen Commission on May 20 that transportation barriers are preventing some older residents from accessing library programs.

Diana Menuzzi, adult services staff at the Encinitas branch of the San Diego County Library, and colleague Renee Hansen described library programs targeted at older adults and said difficulty getting to the branch 'particularly a steep hill'was a recurring concern. Menuzzi listed several library offerings for older adults including adaptive arts classes, an adult art studio, a monthly Red Cross blood drive, author events, poetry and book clubs, an "iPhone for seniors" class, Silver Age Yoga, a self-management and recovery training group (SMART), and other adult workshops.

Menuzzi said the branch aligns with the County of San Diego's Aging Well initiative and that the library is making digital and physical collections and programs available, but that "transportation" remains a barrier for some patrons who cannot drive or easily use public transit. She suggested shuttle service as one possible solution and asked the commission to consider ways to improve connections for older patrons.

Commissioner Stern said he appreciated the comments and highlighted the need to reach older adults who do not use smartphones. Manager Hamer responded that staff have rebroadcast special presentations at senior lunches and offered paper outreach as options; she encouraged follow-up with the library staff to explore opportunities.

The commission did not take formal action on the library request during the meeting but discussed adding transportation and outreach strategies to the work plan and future speaker lists.