Sally Ganster
It’s common sense that staying mentally active and connected to others contributes to well-being as we grow older. However, as we age, mobility problems or lack of transportation can become a barrier to social connectedness.
Fortunately, Jefferson County Public Library offers an unusual program, Dial a Book Club, joining the intellectual stimulation of reading with the joy and social interaction of book discussion – without the need to leave home. Readers meet monthly by phone for an hour-long conversation about books. Anyone can join.
Simply register by phone (303-275-6173) and choose one or more groups to join.
There are Dial groups for a variety of reading interests including: General Fiction, Mysteries, Westerns, Biography & History. Dial in at meeting time and join other book lovers in guided discussion.
The idea for Dial a Book Club came from Jefferson County Public Library librarian Jacob Browne in 2014. Jacob was chairing the Jefferson County Aging Well Social and Civic Engagement workgroup when the group was looking for a program that could engage people who otherwise might be isolated. Jacob researched phone based book clubs, wrote and presented a proposal, and obtained approval from the library. Initial funding from Jefferson County Aging Well for the phone conferencing software allowed the program to begin a year ahead of schedule.
Starting this year, funding for Dial a Book Club comes from the library’s budget. Not only does the program continue to be a success, it’s been expanded to include Author Talks and interactive presentations on topics of interest. Programs have included: Improve Your Mood With Color, Scam Prevention, 10 Alzheimer’s Warning Signs, and Colorado Ballot Issues 2016 (Active Minds). Participants join the Dial Programs the same way they do Dial a Book Club: call 303-275-6173 to register, then dial that program’s phone number at program time.