Plymouth Library Senior Services
Special Programs, Events, and Activities!

For the Homebound
The Plymouth Public Library offers services to seniors, those who are homebound due to disability, or those with physical issues that prevent them from visiting the library in person. They can register for the Books by Mail Program by contacting the Outreach Department at 508-830-4250, ext. 219 or TTY 508-747-5882. You can also register by email .
 

Books and other circulating materials can be obtained through the mail. Library personnel conduct an interview to determine the patron's reading, listening, or viewing preferences. Materials are selected by Sharon La Rosa, Senior Services Librarian, based on the preferences expressed. The items (books, recorded tapes, or DVDs/videos) are sent out and returned in special mailing bags and are postage-free for Plymouth residents with disabilities. Sharon said, "We are often asked by residents of neighboring towns if they can participate in this program, and sadly, we are not equipped at this time to do that. Ultimately, we will need to expand the program as our own population ages and we get more requests for services." 
 

She explained, "Town libraries have a children's librarian and many now have a young adult librarian as well. Not many have staff dedicated to servicing the needs of older adults." Sharon works half-time in the Senior Services department and half-time in Reference. 
 

Plymouth nursing homes and assisted living facilities can elect to receive a collection of library materials for use by their residents. Deposit Collections are "checked out" to the organization on a special Outreach Organization Card and the distribution of library materials are managed by a designated organization representative. The books are swapped out every four to five weeks to keep the collection fresh. If you know of a resident of a nursing home or assisted living organization that would benefit from such an arrangement, ask the recreation or activities director to call the library for more information.

Recorded Books and Cassette Players
Through a cooperative arrangement with the Perkins School for the Blind Braille and Talking Book Library in Watertown, the Plymouth Public Library's Outreach Department has a deposit collection of approximately 150 recorded books for loan to Plymouth patrons who are blind or visually-impaired. The special player, which is required, is also available free from the Braille and Talking Book Library to qualified users. You can obtain more information at the Perkins Braille and Talking Book Library website. 
 

Sharon added,"Homebound residents tell us how much they appreciate the services we have at the library especially for seniors. They have been readers all their lives and miss being able to go to the library. They get excited anticipating the arrival of books and recorded books at their door."

Educational/Recreational Programs Especially for Seniors
Throughout the year, the Senior Services Department offers a variety of programs of interest to older adults, such as the Seniors Travel Expo in May and musical concerts on the lawn in the summer (see Calendar of Events below).
 

The Library has offered workshops on money management, Internet for seniors, gentle yoga, and armchair travel presentations.
 

Reference Assistance & Reader's Advisory
Reference assistance by telephone is available during normal library hours. You can contact the Senior Services Department by telephoning 508-830-4250, ext. 219, via TTY 508-747-5882, or by emailing us. Information requests may also be mailed to Plymouth Plymouth Library, 132 South St., Plymouth, MA 02360.

Summer Concerts on the Lawn and much more!
The Plymouth Public Library boasts a full schedule of activities for families and adults throughout the summer months. We've listed just a few below - for a full calendar of events, visit the library's website. 
 

Lawn Concerts are held from 1 pm - 2 pm in the afternoon (see the dates below) at the main Library (132 South Street, Plymouth). In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved indoors to the Fehlow Room.

Tuesday, July 24 - Larry Stevens Duo, featuring a mix of rock, pop, folk, and country music.

Thursday, August 7 - The Rum Soaked Crooks will entertain with their selection of sea shanties.

Thursday, August 12 - Marc Douglas Berardo with a final salute to Herman Melville's Moby Dick, the One Book, One Community series.
 

Other Special Events

Thursday, July 31, 11 am - 3 pm. Help celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Manomet Library Branch.

Tuesday, August 5, 7 pm - 8:30 pm. A special program is planned for Tuesday, August 5th when Celestial Navigation and Star Gazing with Bill Luzader begins. Join the group in the Fehlow Room and then move outside for telescope viewing on the front lawn. Main Library, 132 South Street

Saturday, August 9, 2:30 pm - 4 pm. The Manomet Branch presents a Shorebirds Talk with the Manomet Center for Conservations Sciences. Manomet Branch Library, 12 Strand Avenue.

Wednesdays, July 30, August 19 and 27; September 10 and 24, 1 pm - 3 pm. The Manomet Knitters meet ng to hang out, work on projects, or chat in a casual environment. Thursday, August 14th - Vintage Reads from 7 pm - A discussion of classic works of literature. Copies of the books are available one month in advance. Contact Jennifer at 508-830-4185 or jenniferj@ocln.org for information.

Mondays, August 4 and 18; September 15 and 29, 6 pm - 8 pm. The Plymouth Rock Stamp Club meets twice a month on Mondays from 6 pm - 8 pm in the Main Library's Board Room. Club members buy, sell, and trade stamps and sometimes there is an auction. New stamp collectors or visitors are welcome to attend. There are approximately 20 members from the South Shore/Cape Cod area.

August 13, 2 pm - 4 pm. Author talk with Duncan Oliver on Cape Cod Shore Whaling in connection with the One Book, One Community read of Herman Melville's Moby Dick.

August 21, 4 pm - 5 pm. Manomet History Book Group meets at the Manomet Branch to discuss a nonfiction history title. Copies of the book are available one month in advance. Call Jennifer Jones at 508-830-4185 or email her for more information. jenniferj@ocln.org

September 24, 10:30 am - 12 noon. Joe McPartland of the Director Finance Group, presents a Reverse Mortgage Workshop at the Main Librarhy. Learn about recent changes and reduced fees.

Museum Passes Available

Dinah O'Brien, Plymouth Public Library Director of Community Resourcers, reminds residents that the Library has passes for many nearby museums. You must be a registered patron of the Library to reserve passes; simply visit the reservations page or call 508-830-4250. A limited quantity of passes are available from the Main Library for the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and the roger Williams Park Zoo. The Manomet Branch has passes for the Museum of Science and the New England Aquarium. 
 

Kathy Cartmell-Sirrico is a Trustee of the Plymouth Public Library Corporation and past president. She said, "Throughout the years I have had the opportunity to watch the Plymouth Public Library thrive with the many programs that have been offered to the public through the help of Jennifer Harris and the Plymouth Public Library Corporation. It has been a journey that I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of, as the growth of expanding the Arts and Education has been such a wonderful asset to the Plymouth Community."

Frequently Asked Questions

 "How can I help children deal with the death of a pet?"

Pets are important members of our families. We take care of them, sometimes from a very young age. We live with them, sleep with them, and we love them. When they die, all members of the family are affected. The unconditional love they give is sorely missed. We deal with the sadness in different ways, but it is especially difficult for some children to understand and cope.

Young children are not developmentally ready to understand death the same way adults do. From ages three to five, children tend to view death as temporary and reversible. They may believe that a doctor can bring a pet back to life with a shot or medicine. This type of thinking may also prompt a 4-year old to believe he caused the pet's death when he wished for a playful puppy to replace an elderly dog.

From ages six to eight, children may know death is final, but they may think it only happens to others. From ages nine to 11, children begin to understand that death is inevitable, even for them. They may, however, feel responsible for the pet's death, thinking if only they had taken better care of the pet.

Each child is unique, but parents should consider how much experience the child has had dealing with death. Have you talked with them before about death? What have they seen on TV? The answers will affect your child's ability to understand and accept a pet's death.

Here are some guidelines to help:

• Don't wait to tell them about the death. Be honest, accurate, and brief.
• Be careful about using euphemisms such as "passed away" or "went to    sleep" to describe death. For a young child, these phrases may create confusion or fear about going to bed at night.
• Tell what happened; then wait for their questions.
• When children ask for details, they are asking for comfort. But spare them any details that would create a horrible picture in their minds.
• Encourage children to talk about their pet and to share what happened with their teachers.
• Involve children in the grieving process by asking them what they would like to do about a service to remember their pet.
• Have them draw pictures of the pet.
• Create a memorial garden as a tribute to their pet.
• Share funny stories.
• Plant a tree in the backyard in honor of your pet.
• Put the pet's ashes and photos on the fireplace mantle.
• Read books together that can help in the grieving process.

Here are some recommended books for helping children deal with the death of a pet:

The Tenth Good Thing About Barney, written by Judith Viorst and illustrated by Erik Blegvad

I'll Always Love You, written and illustrated by Hans Wilhelm

The Legend of Rainbow Bridge, written by William N. Britton and illustrated by Dandi Palmer

Goodbye Mousie, written by Robie H. Harris and illustrated by Jan Omerod

When A Pet Dies, written by Fred Rogers

Abigail McNamee, PhD, EdD, chair of the Department of Early Childhood and Childhood Education at City University of New York.

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