By Older Adult Services Librarian Ian Gosse
Fall is right around the corner and as it starts to cool down, it’s a great time to get out of the house and be social. If you’re looking for ways to connect with your peers around town, here are some great options:
1. Older Adults Coffee Hour
Join us on the first Friday of each month, 9:30-11 am, to hang out, chat, and have a cup of joe at the Main Library (a recent meet-up is pictured above). Next meet-up is September 6.
2. Wednesday Matinee Films Series
A different movie is selected every Wednesday, 1-3 pm, for free viewing in the Main Library Veteran’s Room. While a movie might not be the best place to socialize, it is a great way to get out of the house each week. Upcoming films include:
- August 21: Singing in the Rain
- August 28: To Catch a Thief
- September 4: Coco
- September 11: Born to Dance
3. Book discussions
Our library book discussions bring people together who already have something in common to talk about—the book they just read! We have regular library-led book discussions for both nonfiction and fiction genres. Books for each discussion can be picked up behind the front desk at the Main Library.
- Crime & Coffee talks history and crime with fellow true crime lovers over a hot cup of coffee and meets bimonthly on the third Saturday, 3 pm. Next discussion is on October 19: The Missing Cryptoqueen.
- Latine Author Book Café discusses works written by Latine authors (Spanish language copies will be made available when possible) and meets monthly on the second Tuesday at 6 pm. Next discussion is on September 10: Malas.
- Earth Lounge explores the curiosities and complexities of nature, environmentalism, and sustainability, and meets bimonthly on the fourth Wednesday, 6 pm. Next discussion is on September 25: All We Can Save.
- Love on the Page discusses romance books and subgenres, like romantic fantasy, historical romance, contemporary romance, and more, and meets bimonthly on the fourth Saturday, 2:30 pm. Next discussion is on August 24: Just for the Summer.
- Otherworldly Reads alternates between science fiction and fantasy literature, and meets bimonthly on the second Thursday, 6 pm. Next discussion is on September 12: All Systems Red.
- Words on Wednesday inspires small group conversation about a wide range of fiction and nonfiction titles, and meet monthly on the third Wednesday at 1 pm. Upcoming discussions are August 21: Poverty by America and September 18: The Vaster Wilds.
4. Activities from the Park District of Oak Park & the Oak Park Township
If you’re looking for something to do outside of the library, I recommend checking in with the Park District of Oak Park and the Oak Park Township. You might even meet me at their locations from time to time as I frequently stop by when doing library outreach.
Park District of Oak Park (PDOP)
Walk & Talk Social Hour is on the first and third Wednesday of each month, 2-3 pm, hosted by the PDOP and the Community Mental Health Board at the Community Recreation Center. The indoor track will be open to any older adults who would like to come out, do a few laps, and chat with other walkers. Tables will be set up to provide information from our adult-serving community partners. Stop by to make new friends and hear what our local agencies provide. The first Walk & Talk Social will be on Wednesday, September 18.
Active Adults programs through the PDOP are geared towards anyone 50+ living in Oak Park or River Forest. They provide a wide range of free and low-cost programs for creative and recreational pursuits in social environments. For more information, find a copy of the PDOP Fall/Winter Program Guide or check out their online listings of upcoming activities.
Oak Park Township Senior Services
Around the corner from our library is another great place to hang out and meet folks: the Oak Park Township Senior Services building at 130 S Oak Park Ave. They offer a lunch program Monday-Friday, 11 am-1 pm, for anyone ages 60+, with a suggested donation of $1.50 for diners. There you will find a lunchroom full of community members chatting and laughing as they eat together.
In addition to the lunch program, check the Oak Park Township Senior Services website for information on other upcoming events. They regularly host events like game days, bingo, line dancing, tai chi, and fit and strong classes. The building is also a great place to find out about other services available in the area for older adults, such as transportation assistance, end-of-life planning, and minor home repair.
If you’re feeling antsy after staying cool this summer in the AC, we hope that one of these options will be a great fit as we all get out of the house and enjoy the fall. Whether it’s at the coffee hour, a book club, or walking the track at the CRC, I hope everyone finds a nice social outlet as we move into one of our milder seasons.
About Ian
Ian is an Adult Services Librarian specializing in older adult services. You will often see him outside the library delivering items through the Home Delivery, riding the Book Bike, or tabling at an outreach event. Ian listens to a lot of audiobooks—mostly fantasy—and plays tabletop and video games.
