In recognition of Older Americans Month, the Library is hosting a series of programs in May with a theme of "Powered by Connection." They include social events, end-of-life planning (with free individual consults), a civic coffee, and Medicare workshops.

All Library events are free and open to the public. Registration is not required unless noted otherwise. Find information and registration through the event links below or at spl.org/Calendar.

The Library offers many other free events and workshops in May, including author events, Homework Help, one-on-one business help and special and civic and community programs.

OLDER AMERICANS MONTH EVENTS

  • NewHolly Social Club. From 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 7. NewHolly Gathering Hall. Join us for a monthly social and community resource gathering. Held in partnership with Seattle Housing Authority, this event is in English, Somali and Vietnamese.

  • Creative Chats in Community. From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, May 14. High Point Neighborhood House. Join us for a monthly arts and community resource gathering event held in partnership with Seattle Housing Authority. This event will be live interpreted in English, Somali, Vietnamese and Khmer.

  • A Matter of Balance. From 10 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, May 15 (beginning of eight-week series). Douglass-Truth Branch meeting room. Do you or someone you know have concerns about falls? Held in partnership with Sound Generations, "A Matter of Balance" emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls. You will learn to view falls as controllable; set goals for increasing activity; make changes to reduce fall risks at home; and exercise to increase strength and balance. Registration is required by May 15 for the eight-week series.

  • End-of-Life Planning Workshop. From 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday, May 15. Greenwood Senior Center. Join the team from Worry-Free Wednesdays to learn the four things you can do to ensure the end-of-life decisions you want made for yourself or your loved ones are well-documented and communicated. Limited one-on-one consultations are available before the workshop. Call the Greenwood Senior Center at 206-297-0875 to register.

  • Medicare Made Clear. From 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, May 16. Queen Anne Branch meeting room. This session will provide an overview of the different parts of Medicare (Parts A, B, C, D and Medigap Plans), what they cover and how they work. Registration required.

  • Civic Coffee. From 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 21. Ethiopian Community Center. Join us for this monthly opportunity for older adults to gather, meet local government and community leaders, learn about key issues, ask questions, and provide feedback. This program will be in Amharic and is held in partnership with Age Friendly Seattle.

  • Welcome to Medicare. From 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 29. Broadview Branch. This workshop will discuss Medicare A, B, C, and D, Medicare fraud, enrollment, help paying for Medicare, understanding your Medicare benefits and options and more. Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) is a partner on this event. Registration is required.

MORE INFORMATION 

The Library believes that the power of knowledge improves people's lives. We promote literacy and a love of reading as we bring people, information and ideas together to enrich lives and build community. Find more events at www.spl.org/Calendar.

Contact the Library’s Ask Us service by phone at 206-386-4636 or by email or chat at www.spl.org/Ask. Staff are ready to answer questions and direct you to helpful resources and information.