Media Release: SCPL received nearly $20,000 for seniors’ programs

St. Catharines Public Library received $19,892 from the Government of Ontario’s Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility to enrich its program offerings targeted towards older adults 55-plus. Grant-funded programs will be run at the library over six months starting in September.

Holly Jones, programming and promotions manager of the St. Catharines Public Library, said the funding will allow the library to offer programs that would have been otherwise out of reach for the library.

“With this grant, we have been able to purchase tools and supplies typically outside of our budget like drawing tablets and Cricut machines,” said Jones. “We’re also hiring professionals with specialty skills including a yoga instructor and local artists.”

These new programs will focus on helping older adults stay active, connected, and informed through workshops and talks focused on literacy, health and wellness, and the creative arts. 

“The Seniors Community Grant Program is helping protect the health and well-being of older adults by providing opportunities to stay active, connected and engaged,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. "That’s why we are pleased to support the St. Catharines Public Library so they can offer accessible programs and services for older adults to learn new skills, socialize and promote lifelong learning.”

"This provincial funding through a Seniors Community Grant for the St. Catharines Public Library will make a big difference in the lives of older adults in St. Catharines, including residents living in Niagara West," said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West. "Staying connected close to home and safely taking part in local programs allows seniors to keep active with friends, family and the community."

Older adults will be able to explore topics including budgeting and financial scams, digital drawing, photo and document preservation, yoga and meditation.

Jones said the funding from the grant will support the library’s multi-faceted approach to literacy, a priority identified in the library’s current strategic plan.

“When we think about literacy, we often think about reading and writing, but we know there is so much more to literacy that makes for a healthy community. Our older adult programs will help us address different literacy areas including financial, digital and cultural literacy.”

In addition to bolstering social connection to reduce isolation, programs will help older adults discover resources and services available to them.

Many community members don’t know what the library has to offer or that library programs are free to attend, said Jones. By offering a wide variety of older adult programs, Jones hopes the library will become the first stop for adults looking to solve a problem, learn something new, or make community connections.

Community members can browse the library’s lineup of programs in their fall program guide launching Sept. 1 or online through the library’s events calendar at https://events.myscpl.ca/calendar/programs.

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St. Catharines Public Library provides spaces, resources, and experiences for all citizens to learn, grow, and connect. Offering services and programs across four branches and a self-serve kiosk, SCPL is a community hub of information connecting people to ideas and community to culture. To learn more about SCPL, visit us at www.myscpl.ca or give us a call at 905-688-6103.

Grace Howes
Communications Specialist
ghowes@myscpl.ca
905-688-6103 x228