The DeWitt Community Library is committed to serving older adults in our community. Listed below is information about Library services, workshops and events, collections, and facilities of potential interest to seniors.
This web page is a work in progress. Here are some of the ideas we are working on:
- A clearinghouse for information about community resources and services for seniors
- Senior book reviews that you can contribute to and share
If you have other ideas or suggestions, please contact Executive Director Wendy Scott at 446-3578. We welcome your input!
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Facilities and Access
The Library is accessible to those with disabilities. There are no elevators or stairs. Parking spaces for those with disabilities are available near the Regal Cinema entrance to the Mall, the closest entrance to the Library. Library staff would be happy to assist you with retrieving difficult-to-reach items in our collection or with other special needs. If you have any questions about accessbility, please call us at 446-3578.
"Senior Scene" Programs
Beginning in the fall of 2011, the Library and its community partners will offer senior-focused programs scheduled during the day on subjects suggested by you, our senior patrons. Topics for our Senior Scene programs will include classes and workshops by experts on such issues as retirement planning, healthcare, legal matters of interest to seniors, computer workshops, book discussions and more. Click here to see and register for fall senior programs.
Assistive Technology
The Library has a JAWS screen reader with Microsoft applications. Developed for computer users whose vision loss prevents them from seeing screen content, JAWS reads aloud what appears on the screen. Zoom Text magnifies what you see on the computer screen. Please ask at the Reference Desk for guidance with these technologies.
Large Print, Audio Books, E-Books & Nooks!
We have a growing collection of fiction and non-fiction titles in Large Print format, audio books and e-books. Items in the online catalog are clearly labeled as 'Large Print' or audio format. E-books from OverDrive may be found through our
Downloadables page on the DCL web site.
"Library-By-Mail" Pilot Program for Homebound Residents
The DeWitt Community Library is pleased to announce a new Library-By-Mail pilot program for eligible homebound residents in the Library's service area. Click on the link above for more information and an application form.
AARP Tax Preparation Service
Offered by the AARP Foundation in conjunction with the IRS, this program provides high-quality, free income tax assistance and tax form preparation to low and moderate income taxpayers, with special attention to those age 60 and older. Watch for announcements each spring. Once the schedule is announced, patrons may contact the Library Front Desk at 446-3578.
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DeWitt Community Library Senior Advisory Board
The Library has created an informal Senior Advisory Board to better serve the large number of senior citizens residing in our Jamesville-DeWitt service area. The Board's primary objectives are to assess the library needs and interests of older adults in our community and to serve as liaisons with organizations that support seniors.
Current Members:
Brian Abbott, DeWitt Community LibraryCarol Youngs, DeWitt Community Library
Wendy Scott, DeWitt Community Library
Peter Svoboda, CNY Artists
Michael Ritter, St. Camillus Home Care
Erika Sventon, St. Camillus Home Care
Julie Fleck, Jewish Community Center of Syracuse
Lori Wirth and Diane DeWitt, Town of DeWitt Parks and Recreation
Pat Kolceski
Diane St. Laurent
Mary Lou Karrat
Norm Keim
Community Resources and Organizations that Support Older Adults
Looking for services and resources for seniors in our area? In addition to the two excellent guides, below, the librarians at your DeWitt Community Library can help you find information and referrals for community resources. Please call us at 446-3578 or stop by the Information Desk.
PACE of CNY Onondaga County Resource Guide
http://www.pacecny.org/pages/links.html
PACE CNY is a separate not-for-profit corporation of Loretto which, since 1926, has provided long-term care services to the disabled and chronically ill. On the PACE 'Links' web page is a short list of area resources and a link to a resource guide that highlights many, but not all, community services to seniors available in Onondaga County. You must have Adobe Acrobat to download. The guide is organized by service category. Last update on 1_1_11.
Onondaga County Department of Aging and Youth: Senior Resource Directory
http://www.ongov.net/ay/Seniordirectory.html
The Onondaga County Department of Aging and Youth has compiled an extensive, easy-to-use resource directory (current as of 7/23/2007) that lists referrals to senior services in our area. You can browse and download the guide by section or download the entire directory (you must have Adobe Acrobat to download). Last update 7/23/2007
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