Older adults are a rapidly growing segment of the population. Even with valued experiences, they may struggle to find their next opportunity after retirement. Adults experiencing life transitions due to retirement or a personal or professional change are the target audience for this program series. DML provides expert guidance in relevant topics including encore careers, volunteering as a vocation, a personal SWOT analysis, addressing barriers to success and starting a new business.

Five programs targeting adults in transition were offered at a suburban Branch. Curated by our Business Services Librarian and led by volunteer career coaches with expertise in each topic, participants learned about the concept of an “encore career” and reimagined what their retirement and volunteer life could be. Varied programs welcomed a new audience of professionals and post-professionals to the library, while positioning the library as an excellent resource (for both patrons and life coaches alike).

The program series was well-attended, ranging from 15-25 attendees per session. Participants were inspired by the experts on their journey to consider new options, address personal barriers to growth and better understand their strengths and goals. As a result of this encouragement, participants reflected with a fresh perspective on their work options, what their career and life can be in the future and were empowered to make better decisions during their life’s transitions.