WALDO COUNTY — Some rural Waldo County libraries are enjoying the fruits of a grant awarded to Aging Well in Waldo County by the Maine Community Foundation.

In 2017, when AWWC conducted a thorough assessment of Waldo County needs and assets, the most cited asset by survey participants was the libraries; one of the most cited needs was social isolation, according to Frankfort Library, in a news release. As a result, the AWWC social isolation committee has been meeting with Waldo County librarians to enhance socialization opportunities for seniors.

Each Waldo County rural library was invited to participate by proposing something that will enhance senior programming and can be accomplished with $150.

Reba Stewart at the Waldo Peirce Reading Room in Frankfort has bought games to offer times for seniors to come and play games like cribbage, Scrabble, trivia, and backgammon.

Searsmont is having afternoon “tea at three” with refreshments which allows seniors to make new friends or spend time with neighbors.

Lincolnville librarian Elizabeth Eudy is responding to patron requests to learn to play Mahjong. So, they are acquiring Mahjong sets and locating someone to teach seniors the ancient game.

Monroe, an all-volunteer library, which already runs various book clubs, is using their funds to buy more multiple copies to expand book club opportunities for patrons.

Liberty Library used some money for refreshments for their “Old Coots” program on Saturday mornings throughout the summer and to create a Little Free Library.

Carver Librarian, Sue McClintock, in Searsport is beginning “crafternoons” this fall where older folks are invited into the fireplace room to work on their craft projects, knitting, crocheting, etc.

Waldo County has ten rural libraries, two of which are entirely volunteer run and managed. All libraries have extensive and regular programming which appeals to seniors and everyone else in their community and beyond. Aging Well in Waldo County thanks the Maine Community Foundation for this grant, which is benefitting Waldo County seniors in a number of creative ways.