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About Lifelong Access

Lifelong Access is an initiative of Libraries for the Future (LFF), the program division of the Americans for Libraries Council (www.lff.org). Lifelong Access Libraries offer a new model for library services focused on baby boomers and older adults making the transition to active civic participation in retirement. Lifelong Access Libraries will redefine library services for the country's rapidly increasing segment of older adults who, in contrast to earlier generations, are healthier, more active and more committed to ongoing community engagement. The program transforms libraries into centers for lifelong learning and civic engagement.

Prior to receiving funding from Atlantic Philanthropies to develop a nationwide network of Lifelong Access Libraries, LFF collaborated with NMRLS on The Library Experience: Older Citizens grant. Through this LSTA grant, NMRLS conducted a member survey to obtain a baseline on the current status of programs and services to this segment of the older adult population in the NMRLS service area. In addition, NMRLS member library staff participated in a two-part training institute modeled on the Lifelong Access principles. The survey findings and the training presentations are included on this site (MS PowerPoint format).

• Survey Findings
• Presentations at Training
  • Part I
    • Project Summary
    • Lifelong Access Libraries: A Framework for the Experience Library
    • Discovering What's Next: The Power of Community Connections
  • Part II
    • Lifelong Access Libraries: Tools for Understanding and Connecting with the Aging Boomers in Your Community
    • Skills for Implementing Lifelong Access programs at Your Library
    • Discovering What's Next: The Story Continues
• More information about the national Lifelong Access Initiative can be found at Libraries for the Future.

Check out and contribute to the latest news on the NMRLS Lifelong Access blog.