Reimagining Library Access: Senior Mobile Outreach
Wake County Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
Library on the Go for seniors is Wake County Public Libraries’ first senior-focused outreach initiative, delivering library services directly to older adults at Meals on Wheels Friendship Cafes. By meeting seniors where they are, we’re not just lending books—we’re combating social isolation, sparking lifelong learning, and creating meaningful connections. This innovative model reimagines library access for aging populations, proving that libraries can be both mobile and deeply community centered.
Challenge/Opportunity
While WCPL has long supported early literacy through its bookmobile service for children, no equivalent service existed for older adults, an underserved and often isolated population. Wake County is growing by 62 people per day, with nearly half of that growth from residents aged 55+, yet many seniors face barriers to accessing library services due to mobility, transportation, or health challenges. Social isolation among older adults is also linked to serious health risks. Recognizing this urgent need, WCPL launched Library on the Go for seniors in 2025, using surplus funds from a bookmobile replacement to purchase a second outreach vehicle. This innovation brings books, programs, and staff directly to seniors in trusted community spaces like Meals on Wheels Friendship Cafes, bridging access gaps and fostering connection.
Key Elements of Innovation
Library on the Go brings pop-up library services to select Meals on Wheels Friendship Cafe across Wake County, reaching underserved seniors where they already gather. These cafes serve adults aged 60 or older with meals and social engagement. Staff personally connect with seniors through:
Personalized reader's advisory: Staff learn seniors' interests to recommend new and beloved books, helping with browsing and checkouts
Creative programs: Craft programs that encourage lifelong learning and creative expression while experience the joy of learning.
Social connection: By actively supporting the Friendship Cafe, staff help foster meaningful social bonds that contribute to seniors' overall health and wellness.
This is WCPL’s first senior-focused initiative and the program leverages a trusted community partner to embed library services in accessible, familiar spaces. Its mobile, relationship-based model reimagines how libraries serve aging populations and offers a scalable framework
Achieved Outcomes
This innovation is transforming how older adults, Wake County’s fastest-growing population, access library services. Through our new partnership with Meals on Wheels, in its first two months, the program reached 86 seniors, circulated 39 books, and issued new library cards, demonstrating immediate demand. Based on early success, WCPL projects monthly engagement of 215 seniors and 98 checkouts across 10 Friendship Cafe sites, totaling over 2,500 participants and 1,100 checkouts annually. The program fosters social connection, creative expression, and equitable access to library resources.
Customer feedback: “The seniors ask when the library is coming every week as quite a few of them don't drive and this brings the library to their door. They check-out new books, reserve books, and get new library cards. They also bring a craft every time that the residents can do while they are there! It has been a valuable addition to our community"
