Once a year, Albertans are given an opportunity to participate in the YOU Libraries People's Choice Award. The award allows the public to vote for their favourite public library programs. This year Olds Municipal Library is nominated for its Cyber Seniors program.
Cyber Seniors pairs high school students with local seniors who want to learn technology in our community. Olds library has been spearheading this outstanding free service in Alberta since 2015. Library manager Lesley Winfield was instrumental in bringing the program to Olds.
Cyber Seniors has been a real community initiative. The program included the Olds Institute, two seniors' complexes and the high school -- all within the first year. Since then, it has grown to include any interested seniors in the community.
Bonding over technology has proved to be popular for participants of all ages. While older individuals say they have learned useful skills from the program, students have reported the development of ongoing relationships as a result of participating. Even library staff are getting an education in the patience level of high school students and seniors' capacities to learn.
Interested citizens can help support the program by voting for Olds Municipal Library during the last week of the month. The YOU Libraries award voting will run from March 27-31 at the Library Association of Alberta website: http://www.laa.ca/youaward
Further information at Olds Municipal Library website: www.oml.prl.ab.ca.
- Nischuk is the Olds Municipal Library's marketing coordinator.
