BPL for 50+ and Their Caretakers

Bentonville Public Library is a life-long resource for knowledge, exploration, and community. But life changes, and what you need from the library changes, too. Take a look at some of the ways the library may serve you in this stage of life.

Getting Out and About

Sometimes finding a reason to get out of the house beyond chores and medical visits can be a challenge. Consider that the Library provides free, safe, comfortable spaces for reading and other quiet activities, enjoying the outdoors and downtown business, and engaging the brain in different ways. We have opportunities to socialize with others in the community through Book Clubs, the Makerspace, and programming. Come visit us and let us show you how the Library can be a great way to make life a little more enjoyable.   
Programming

BPL strives to provide relevant programs that meet the needs, interests, and limitations of our Patrons. Every month we aim to develop at least one program for seniors and their caretakers to gather together for education, entertainment, or simply building community. We also consider our senior population when we develop general adult programs, ensuring everyone feels welcome.

 

 

 

Every month we provide a class on topics concerning our 50+ patrons including estate planning, nutrition and exercise, preparing a home for transitions, and mental health issues. 

 

Join us for a unique crafting experience in the Makerspace specifically designed for adults over 50+.  Each month, we will delve into various types of arts & craft projects that include painting, jewelry making, felting and much more!  We will explore a different medium each session. 

    
Daytime Book Club
 

We offer several Book Clubs to meet a variety of reading tastes, but we noticed many of our patrons become less comfortable driving at night when the days get shorter. So we moved one of our book clubs to a time with guaranteed daylight and after the children's storytimes are over and parking opens up. 

Books on Main is our daytime book club designed to help readers explore a variety of genres, guided by Library Staff. Books on Main meets every third Thursday of each month at 1:00 pm. 
 Adaptive Resources for In-Library Use

We strive to ensure all patrons can access our resources, so we provide adaptive technology where we can, including:

  • Keyboards with large print and high-contrast colors
  • Large Print fiction/non-fiction books
  • Magnifier lights
  • Desktop video and screen magnifiers
  • Braille keyboards
  • Braille converters
  • Color identifiers (for color-blind individuals and visually impaired)
  • Hearing counter loop for hearing impaired
  • NVDA screen reader for hearing impaired
  • Wheelchairs, walkers, scooters
  • Sensory and Wellness Room - a quiet space to take a moment
    

 Help With the Little Things

  Our Staff is available to help with minor tech issues, applications for services, and finding community resources.
Can’t Get Out?
For Patrons who are unable to leave home and care facilities, BPL provides Homebound Delivery for Patrons who live in Bentonville. We’ll help select books and ship them to your residence.  

Collections

Large Print
BPL has a large collection Large Print Fiction and Nonfiction, and it's located close to the entrance for easy browsing and checkout. This collection was established and supported by the Flynt Family. 

 

Library of Things
As part of our mission to encourage exploration and community, we have developed an extensive collection of things our Patrons can take home with them. The collection includes sewing machines, tools, telescopes, craft kits, adaptive technology, and much more.

 

Library for Life

A portion of the Library of Things collection is dedicated to kits that help Patrons through some of life’s more challenging times. This collection includes kits that help Patrons walk down memory lane, address mental health issues, cope with life situations, and provide care to elderly loved ones.

 

Book Club Kits and Book to Movie Kits

Want to start a book club? Or maybe you already have one? Check out our Book Club Kits!

BPL Book Club Kits provide ten copies of a book, discussion guidelines for each reader, and menu suggestions to make your Book Club a little more special.

Book to Movie Club Kits are similar but geared toward those who struggle reading an entire book. Each kit features a movie adapted from a book, discussion questions for each movie-watcher, and menu suggestions for the ultimate movie watching experience.