For Older Adults

MPL offers programs and services for today’s older adults that are designed for a wide variety of interests. Inspiration starts here – we help people read, learn and connect at every age.

Through the library's website, you're able to access a large number of resources that provide helpful information and entertainment. Below are links most often requested by older adults. At the bottom of this page is a list of current library programs that may be of interest to you.

Books, Magazines, and Music

Bi-Folkal Kits
Bi-Folkal Kits provide activity ideas and materials that allow older adults to reminisce and create connections with others. These kits, which can be checked out for three weeks at a time, focus on several themes and can be adapted to inter-generational settings, religious groups, scouts, or schools.

Large Print Books
The library has a large selection of popular titles in large print.

Audiobooks
Looking for an enjoyable listen? Check out an audiobook on CD.

eBooks and Music
On this page you'll find links to a large selection of e-books, audiobooks, music and video for use with a wide variety of portable devices, PCs and Macs including Wisconsin's Digital Library, CountyCat, hoopla, and Freegal.

Featured Title:

Happy Days: The Official Cookbook from Aaaay to Zucchini Bread by Christina Ward.

Dig into this nostalgic deep dive into the diner classics and memories of our favorite gang from Milwaukee: the Fonz, the Cunninghams, and all of their friends. From breakfast dishes to holiday celebrations, let’s take a look back to the recipes from the '50s and '60s!  You might just rediscover an oldie but goodie or a brand new favorite.

Featured Video: 7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard

Ever worry about what water, rain or otherwise, is doing to your yard/landscaping?  Wonder if the water is going to help your plants thrive or destroy all you’ve built?  Check out this video about managing water in your yard! You can also download a free handout with step-by-step instructions. 

Learn about YouTube, including how to engage with others, view your history, create playlists, and more.  Older Adults YouTube page.

 Programs

MPL 60+ programming is funded in part by gifts from Naomi B. Strehlow and St. John’s on the Lake.

Book Clubs
This is the place to find MPL book clubs, book club kits, and new titles.

Technology Tuesdays
View these short videos on the library's YouTube page to learn about a variety of technology topics ranging from how to use your PC, iPad, or laptop to social media information, curbside delivery, online family gatherings, online learning, and everything in between.

How To with MPL
This playlist on the library's YouTube channel not only includes Technology Tuesday programming, it also includes how to use your library card, library databases, and visiting the library during COVID.

Older Adult Program Playlist
A new playlist has been added to the library's YouTube account that will include videos of library programs that may be of interest to older adults. 

Resources

CETA Arts Program Photograph Collection
The CETA (Comprehensive Employment and Training Act) program was created to help reduce unemployment and improve the incomes and employability of participants. The photographs for the exhibit of "The Spirit of Milwaukee" were taken between February and May of 1976 in Milwaukee, documenting Milwaukee life during the 1976 Bicentennial. Copies of the images in this collection may be purchased. 

COVID Portal
The library's COVID Portal includes information on the pandemic, vaccines, basic needs, health and wellness and more.

Education and Outreach Services
The library provides outreach services that extend beyond the traditional library building into the Milwaukee community.

Gale Courses
Take a 6-week class on a wide variety of topics ranging from starting a small business to improving homeschooling skills to assisting aging parents. Every course is offered each month. Available for free to all library cardholders in Milwaukee County.

Genealogical Research
Start your family research here. The library has many resources available online for you to begin. For further help from librarians, please place a request by chat, text, phone or email at Ask MPL.

Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL)
The Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL) is part of the Library of Congress National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) network of cooperating libraries.  WTBBL  circulates audiobooks, brailled materials, and playback equipment provided by the federal government to Wisconsin residents who cannot read standard print. Learn more about the service in this video created in celebration of WTBBL's 60th Anniversary:

Your Library Card

Your library card is your gateway to a world of information! Don't have a card? Need to renew yours? Here's all you need to know about your card.

Helpful Agency Websites

Below are links to agency websites frequently recommended by Milwaukee Public Library librarians.
AARP - The nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. 
LoveThyNeighbor - The site provides resources for older adults who want to stay in their home as they age. 
Medicare - The official government website.
Medicare Advantage Plans in Wisconsin - The site helps to guide seniors through the state’s available plans, eligibility requirements, and enrollment guidelines as well as providing a list of helpful community organizations throughout Wisconsin that can further support seniors with their healthcare needs. 
Milwaukee County Department of Aging (includes links to local Senior Centers)
     -  MCDA Health and Wellness Workshops

Serving Older Adults of Southeastern Wisconsin - A nonprofit dedicated to serving the needs of older adults by providing programming to improve their health and well-being as well as a means for community engagement and socialization.
Social Security Administration - The official government website.

TimeSlips - This free website helps caregivers and seniors get creative and tell stories. Resources are offered that will encourage older adults with memory loss to have fun with their imaginations.

Recommended Resources from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau:
Financial caregiving: Resources for those who help an older relative or friend manage their money.
Housing decisions: Help for those considering a reverse mortgage as well as current reverse mortgage borrowers.
Planning for retirement: Information on the factors that influence when to claim Social Security.
Online and mobile banking tips: A few tips to help older adults get started since bank and credit union hours may be limited.
Elder financial exploitation: Resources to help older adults and their caregivers prevent, avoid and report scams, fraud and other forms of financial exploitation.