Living Well Fair
Vaughan Public Libraries
Innovation Synopsis
In 2025, Vaughan Public Libraries transformed their Civic Centre Resource Library into a wellness hub, welcoming partner organizations to educate and engage older adults through a holistic approach to well-being. The participating organizations covered a wide range of topics, from health literacy to housing options that consider the evolving needs of aging individuals. Twelve health and wellness organizations set up booths on the main floor of the library, and speakers on the second floor provided opportunities for more in-depth instruction and learning, with topics ranging from Stroke Prevention, Building Resilience, housing options for older adults, and a creative activity. Other aspects of wellness were addressed with a recreational stretch and a Drum performance by an Indigenous performer.
Challenge/Opportunity
Vaughan is experiencing an increase in the older adult population who outnumber youth. Older adults are vulnerable to social isolation, and the detrimental health effects that come with it.
The Living Well Fair was designed to provide older adults with a full day of programming where their needs were highlighted, and their presence was celebrated.
We included elements of Creative Age programming to make it fun for attendees. We combined this with speakers on Aging Well and housing options. We also included health sessions on Stroke Awareness, and Building Resilience. Our city Recreation department provided lighthearted 15 minutes stretch sessions, and we provide three drumming circles, two of which were led by an Indigenous member Jared BigCanoe.
Our aim was to provide an engaging, informative event to address social isolation, provide opportunities for creative expression, while empowering older adults with relevant health information and space to build community connections.
Key Elements of Innovation
The Living Well Fair is the first of its kind for Vaughan Public Libraries and is part health fair, part wellness fair, and part creative arts fair. The event is designed for people to enjoy either as walk-in participants, or pre-registered attendees.
The twelve community partner tables in the lobby gave participants a great opportunity to discover community resources and connect with service providers, as well as other fair participants.
Tying in Indigenous History month with a drum performance from Jared Big Canoe worked well. Participants enjoyed the talk Jared gave referencing respect for elders in Indigenous cultures and the place of elders in community building.
The community drum circle at the end of the day gave participants a chance to experience a dynamic participatory event including all ages.
Achieved Outcomes
Approximately 203 attendees visited the fair and interacted with the information booths set up by our community partners.
Attendance highlights
• 51 attendees for 4 registered sessions
• 62 participants for the three Drum Circles
An attendee survey provided us with qualitative feedback. Regarding the formal presentations, all respondents indicated that they feel more knowledgeable about the health topic discussed, feel more confident about taking care of themselves/their family members, and intend to apply what they have learned at the event.
Many of the organizations that set up information booths at this fair were long-standing partners, and in these cases, we were able to strengthen these partnerships and create new connections. At least one innovative library program was created in partnership with an organization due to their attendance at the Living Well fair. New partnerships were also created with other organizations.
