The Senior Connection is a quarterly newsletter for seniors and those who work with Central Oregon's Senior population. In each issue, you'll find library resources, programs, events, and tips to support and enrich the lives of our 55+ community. If you know anyone who might be interested, please share and encourage them to subscribe. You can find all past issues of all our newsletters on our website. | |
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Join the Winter Reading Challenge
Our adult community is having a blast with the Winter Reading Challenge, running through March 20, 2025. Deschutes Public Library invites you to kick off the new year with exciting reads—whether you’re diving into a fan-favorite novel or discovering something new!
Take on fun challenges like: Read a book with ‘snow’ on the cover or Look up an interesting fact using the New York Times online. With 16 unique challenges to explore, how many can you complete?
For more information visit our website.
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Partner with Our Outreach Librarians
Our outreach librarians are eager to collaborate with your organization or senior group to bring personalized library services directly to you. Over the years, we’ve built successful partnerships that offer services such as:
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Technology Troubleshooting: Helping individuals navigate devices, set up email, or access digital library resources.
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Accessible Reading Presentations: Sharing tips and tools for enjoying books in large print, audiobook, or digital formats.
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Book Club Facilitation: Supporting your group with curated reading lists, discussion guides, and even hosting engaging discussions.
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Custom Programs: Tailored services based on your group's unique interests, such intergenerational programming, walking groups, or movie nights.
Have an idea we can help bring to life? Let’s work together! Complete our Book-a-Librarian form to get started.
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Upcoming Library Programs & Technology Classes:
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New! Technology Troubleshooting at the Redmond Library Join us every Tuesday from 1:30–3:00 p.m. for in-person help with your tech questions. For locations and dates, check out our Full Calendar
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Tax Aide Walk-In Sessions: Saturdays, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Downtown Bend Library
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Music of the Romantic Era: February 8, 2–3:00 p.m., Sisters Library
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Day of Remembrance with Author Gordon Nagai: February 16, 2–3:00 p.m., Downtown Bend Library
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iPhone Essentials: February 20, 10:30 a.m.–noon, Downtown Bend Library
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Google Drive, Docs, and Sheets: March 4, 10–11:30 a.m., Redmond Library
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Art and Book Pairing: March 19, 5:30–6:30 p.m., Mockingbird Gallery
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The 17th Annual Volunteer Expo is a Wrap!
The annual Volunteer Expo, held on January 26, was a huge success. Twenty-one local organizations seeking volunteers participated, drawing a crowd of nearly 200 attendees. Volunteering builds connections, enhances skills, boosts well-being, and strengthens communities. If you are looking for volunteer opportunities, here are some resources to check out to get started:
Connect Central Oregon The best place to locate service opportunities throughout Central Oregon for individuals, groups and organizations.
SAGE Central Oregon An organization that believes in generational equity, during one-on-one meetings, they can match your goals and interests with an organization or opportunity that’s right for you. They also have some volunteering opportunities within the organization.
Volunteer Opportunities at Deschutes Public Library Click here for open volunteer opportunities, applications, and news.
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Community Highlight: Discover the Senior Care Network of Central Oregon
Have you heard of Senior Care Network? The group exists to facilitate community awareness and provide access to senior organizations and services in Central Oregon through professional networking and educational opportunities.
With happy hours and educational lunches held throughout the year, it’s the ideal space to network, learn, and stay informed about topics impacting the senior community. Don’t miss their 2025 Happy Hour Kick-Off on Thursday, February 13, from 4–6:00 p.m.
Stay updated on events by joining their new Facebook Group
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About the Author
Maybe you’ve strolled over to the library, but have you ever joined one of its walking groups? Led by Community Librarian Rya, these lively outings are part of the library’s mission to bring health and wellness outreach to every corner of Deschutes County. “I love picking up right where our walking group left off and hearing about the cool, library-centric things customers are sharing,” says Rya. She plays a key role in supporting the Library’s Senior Services programs and co-edits The Library Corner, a publication connecting isolated seniors with community news and library resources. If you’re new in town, Rya suggests stopping by the library or joining in on community events. “You’re guaranteed to meet a friendly face and find something to keep you busy as you settle in,” says Rya. Recently honored by her colleagues as the librarian with “Boundless patience,” Rya’s poised to bring extra holiday cheer to upcoming events, including a festive gift-wrapping party that promises to bring the community together.
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Thanks for reading and, again, please share with anyone else who you think would benefit from this information. If you have questions or suggestions about the senior resources at your library, feel free to email ryaf@deschuteslibrary.org.
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