Creative Aging in Action: Practical Strategies for Libraries

Series Description:

In today’s climate, demonstrating impact is more essential than ever. Creative aging programs offer a powerful, proven way for libraries to show how they enrich lives, strengthen communities, and merit sustained investment. 

Lifetime Arts, in partnership with Califa's Infopeople, invites programming librarians, State Libraries, library associations, and service organizations—including State Humanities Councils—to join a free, national three-part webinar series exploring how to launch and sustain creative aging programs in libraries. 

Grounded in lessons from a three-year, IMLS-funded initiative, this series shares evidence-based strategies, evaluation insights, and compelling real-world stories from library leaders, older adult participants, and teaching artists. Attendees will walk away with practical tools to design, sustain, and expand creative aging programs that support lifelong learning, social connection, and improve the health and well-being of older adults. 

Each 60-minute session will highlight case studies from rural and small libraries in Wyoming and Missouri, include interactive polls and activities, and offer space for participant feedback to help shape the field’s future. 

Why Attend? 
You’ll leave with practical tools, inspiring examples, and actionable strategies to strengthen your library’s role in supporting older adults through creative aging. 

Do I need to attend all 3 webinars?  
While these webinars are designed as a series, each one offers stand-alone value. You’re welcome to join one, two, or all three—whatever fits your role and schedule. 

Session One: Why Creative Aging? A Practical Guide for Libraries 
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 
(9am Pacific, 10am Mountain, 11am Central, 12pm Eastern)  

Kick off the series with an essential guide to launching creative aging programs in your library. Discover how these programs support older adult health, brain wellness, and social connection—and why libraries are uniquely positioned to lead this work. 

 This session will feature: 

• Merideth Johnson (Missouri State Library)  
• Adrienne Poulson (Springfield-Greene County Library)  
• The voices of older adult participants and creative aging teaching artists 

This session will introduce the core elements of creative aging, share compelling demographic trends, and provide practical tips for getting started in your library, no matter your size or setting. 

Session Two: Creative Aging in Rural and Small Libraries: Models & Solutions 
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 
(9am Pacific, 10am Mountain, 11am Central, 12pm Eastern)  

Rural and small libraries face unique challenges—and opportunities—when offering creative aging programs. This session will spotlight innovative approaches from: 

• Nicholle Gerharter (Park County Library, Wyoming) 
• Missy Harris (Lincoln County Library System, Wyoming)

Through real-world case studies, learn how library staff adapted to limited resources, built community partnerships, and recruited participants. Gain strategies for overcoming barriers and making creative aging programs sustainable and meaningful in rural contexts. 

Session Three: Building Buy-In: Gaining Support for Creative Aging at Local and State Levels 
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 
(9am Pacific, 10am Mountain, 11am Central, 12pm Eastern)  

How can libraries build support and secure resources for creative aging programs within their communities and states? This session will feature: 

• Jamie Markus, Assistant Dean for Resource Discovery & Management (University of Wyoming Libraries and former Wyoming State Librarian)
• Krisene Watson, Extension and Outreach Manager (Campbell County Public Library, Wyoming) 

Learn strategies to engage stakeholders, align with current funding priorities, and communicate program impact. This session will help library leaders, administrators, and advocates understand how to position creative aging as an essential service for older adults. 

Registration link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_teUXh9HtQkuxBgbk9roqYw

Please be aware that while registration is unlimited, attendance is limited to the first 500 people who join the webinar. This webinar will be recorded and will be available on the Infopeople webinar archive page within two business days of the live event.

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