Customer and Library Board feedback and surveys reveal that our library customers are seeking in-person adult programs that provide opportunities to connect with other adults and work to develop community relationships. Specifically, our older adult customers desire activities they can do together, within our library spaces. We also identified a resource need, to support our seniors and care home outreach. Since the limitations around Covid have lessened, we are working to reconnect with these communities. Activities that encourage collaboration and active participation have always been preferred.

Through her professional research and personal experience, our Older Adult Advocate proposed that VPL invest in a collection of hand drums (djembes, bodhrans for example) and develop staff led drum circles, aimed at our senior communities. Hand drumming promotes physical activity and brain health while reducing stress and anxiety. More importantly, drum circles create positive social connections and mitigate isolation. Key activities were simple: through pop-up or scheduled programs, seniors participated in drum circles. Drum circles were also taken to seniors and care homes. The innovation is in the setting. Libraries are, historically, more quiet spaces. Offering noisy programs - outside story times - often run contrary to this environment. However, the real social connectivity benefits to this programming far outweighed these concerns.

Drum collections – enough to serve each area within Vaughan – were purchased and made available to staff. The entire adult information staff complement was trained to lead drum circles. Program and outreach outcomes were measured in participation: either within scheduled or pop-up programs, each drum circle has enjoyed a minimum of ten adult participants. Feedback is always positive; participants, even those reticent to try drumming, have appreciated the experience. Most encouragingly, after witnessing a public drum circle, members of the Alzheimer Society of York Region reached out, asking if a drum circle collaboration with their community (both those with Alzheimer’s and caregivers) would be possible. VPL has now offered one drum circle, with more coming. We hope to collaborate further with this resource, with other older adult support and care organization.