A Resource Fair for Older Adults and Caregivers Comes to Koelbel Library Oct. 30 |
Arapahoe Libraries hosts an Older Adult Resource Fair at Koelbel Library on Friday, Oct. 30, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and registration is required. We also list an online adult storytime on Nov. 2. |
Halloween lands on a Saturday this year, so the end of the week will be full of costumes and candy. In the days before it, there's a quieter and genuinely useful program for a different crowd: older adults and the family members, partners and neighbors who help look after them. Arapahoe Libraries is hosting an Older Adult Resource Fair at Koelbel Library on Friday morning. The following Monday, the library system offers a short online storytime for grown-ups. Here are the details, plus a few ideas for making the most of the fair.
Friday, Oct. 30: Older Adult Resource Fair
The City of Centennial's events directory describes this as an open house "to learn about resources available for older adults." It runs for two and a half hours, and an open house generally lets you come and go.
When: Friday, Oct. 30, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Koelbel Library, 5955 S. Holly St., Centennial 80121
Registration: Required. Sign up through the Arapahoe Libraries events calendar, which lists the fair.
Why it's worth a morning
Questions about aging rarely show up one at a time. A conversation about getting to appointments can turn into one about help around the house, staying socially connected or sorting out paperwork. Finding answers usually means a string of phone calls and websites. An open house built around older-adult resources is a chance to start those conversations in person, close to home, on the neutral ground of a public library.
It's also worth a look if you aren't the older adult in the picture. Adult children, spouses and friends often end up doing the research. If someone you help care for can't make a weekday morning, you can go on their behalf and bring back what you learn.
Getting the most out of it
Write your questions down first. A short list keeps a busy morning focused. Think about transportation, help at home, social activities and anything you've been meaning to look into.
Bring a companion. A second set of ears helps, especially if the person you're attending for wants to weigh in later.
Pack a folder. Resource fairs tend to come with brochures and business cards, and keeping them together makes follow-up easier.
Register before you go. The library requires it, and signing up early saves a step on Friday.
Monday, Nov. 2: Tales at Teatime: Adult Storytime
If you'd like something lighter after a full Halloween weekend, the Arapahoe Libraries calendar also lists Tales at Teatime, an adult storytime held online. Brew a cup, settle in and join from home.
When: Monday, Nov. 2, 4 to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Registration: Required, through the Arapahoe Libraries events calendar.
Do you know a neighbor, parent or friend who could use Friday's fair? Forward this to them, or offer them a ride to Koelbel. If you go, what's the one question you'd most want answered? |
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It’d be nice if they had a list of which agencies will be at the fair. I usually want to plan which tables to stop by.
Halloween plus resource fair plus storytime, busy week for the library. Love to see it!
Arapahoe Libraries always does a great job with these programs. Thanks for helping the community!
Thank you for your kind words! Arapahoe Libraries truly puts a lot of care into serving the community with resources and events like these.
Kimberly JaxonAgree, they really make an effort for all ages. My mom always looks forward to their events.
I’ve heard good things about these resource fairs in the past. Hoping to find some fun social activities for my dad.
Wish more events included evening hours for working families. Friday morning just isn’t doable for us.
I would love to see more stuff for caregivers. We often feel left out. Glad the library remembers us.
Anyone know if the online storytime is interactive, or just listening? My wife might enjoy it but prefers to listen than participate.
Thanks for the tip about bringing a folder. My purse usually ends up stuffed with loose papers at these things!
So glad you found that tip helpful! Keeping everything together definitely makes following up after a busy resource fair much simpler.
I’m surprised registration is required for the fair, but I suppose it helps them prepare. Signed up, looking forward to stopping in Friday morning.
Thank you for signing up! Yes, registration helps the organizers plan for materials and attendance, hope you find the fair useful on Friday.
Do these resource fairs have translators? My neighbor only speaks Spanish and is interested.
Every time I call around for help it’s a dead end. Really hope they have answers at the fair. Koelbel is easy to get to, so will check it out.
Storytime for adults sounds nice. Not just for kids! I like that the library is doing creative things for everyone.
I’m a bit nervous about crowded events, but need advice on Medicaid stuff for my aunt. Will mask up and see how it goes.
This makes me wish my folks were still local. Looks like a lot of helpful info for caregivers too. Hope there’s a good turnout.
I like the suggestion to write down questions in advance. I always remember the important thing I forgot right after I leave!
Anyone know if there will be info about tech help for seniors? My dad struggles with his phone and computer.
Why aren’t these events publicized better? Just found out by accident. Happy to register though, better late than never.
Koelbel Library is my go-to spot already. Having all the info tables in one place should save us a lot of back and forth phone calls.
My neighbor doesn’t drive anymore, so I’ll try to bring him to the resource fair. Thanks for mentioning bringing a companion, hadn’t thought of that.
Love the idea of adult storytime, especially with the weather getting colder. Signed up and looking forward to relaxing with a good story and tea.
I wish they did these on Saturdays too. Hard to get time off work to go. Maybe next time!
That’s a great point, and we're sure the organizers appreciate your feedback, weekend options would help even more people attend.
Glad to see an event like this close by. My mom just moved in with us and I have more questions than answers right now. Already registered for Friday!