An Age Friendly Library is a library that understands and responds to the needs of people of all ages and makes a special effort to identify and attend to the specific needs of older adults.
We aim to be an Age Friendly Library Service and have assigned an Age Friendly champion in each of our libraries to achieve this. We are committed to working with Age Friendly Ireland and Age Friendly Clare towards making and keeping our library buildings, services and programming age friendly.
Age Friendly Clare aims to be more inclusive of older people by addressing their expressed concerns and interests under the eight pillars of the World Health Organization’s global age friendly programme.
The programme has a strong focus on creating walkable, attractive and accessible communities and age-friendly spaces. By introducing actions to address participation and inequality it is intended that people of all ages will be supported to enjoy healthier, more active and connected lives.
Our age friendly services include the following
- Resources including Large Print books
- eBooks and eAudiobooks
- eMagazines and online Newspapers
- Clubs, groups and events
- Bealtaine
- Assistive Technologies
Resources
Check out our collection of Large Print books here.
eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and online Newspapers
There is a wide range of eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and online Newspapers available at the click of a button
Local newspapers, eg Clare Champion, are also available through Irish Newspaper Archives – this service can only be used in library branches.
Clubs, groups and events
Tai Chi in Newmarket on Fergus Library
From book clubs and chess clubs through to craft circles and yoga classes there is a huge number of clubs and groups that meet in our libraries every week. We also frequently host author talks and historical lectures. Check out our Events section to see what’s happening in your your local library branch.
Bealtaine
Bealtaine is Ireland’s national festival which celebrates the arts and creativity as we age. The festival is run by Age & Opportunity, the leading national development organisation working to enable the best possible quality of life for us all as we age. In partnership with Clare County Council Arts Office, Clare libraries host a large number of events every year. Bealtaine takes place each May for the entire month. The Festival brings together people from all over Ireland to foster and inspire creativity among older people and to promote the skills, experiences and exposure that can lead to a rich creative life for all older people.
Assistive Technologies
The following assistive technologies are available in a number of Clare libraries
- Hearing loops
- Magic Table
- Reader Pens
Hearing Loops
A hearing loop (sometimes called an audio induction loop) is a special type of sound system for use by people with hearing aids. The hearing loop provides a magnetic, wireless signal that is picked up by the hearing aid when it is set to ‘T’ (Telecoil) setting.
Magic Tables
The Magic Table or Tovertafel is a ceiling-based projector that shines multi-coloured lights, sounds and games onto a table or other flat surface. The Tovertafel games and interactive light projections respond to movements from people hands or bodies as they move underneath. The games are designed to stimulate cognitive function and brain development. It is suitable for adults and children with additional needs, including those with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Reader Pens
Reader pens are convenient portable tools to support independent reading and literacy. Simply scan the text of a book with this state-of-the-art device to have words read aloud in natural speaking voices. You can adjust the settings to increase or decrease the speed at which text is read out. There is also a built-in dictionary for defining unfamiliar words. The pen can be set up for both right-hand and left-hand use.