Word Scramble

Grace A. Dow Memorial Library reference librarian Ann Jarvis said the library’s audio book collection is great for seniors; or anyone else who wants to listen to a book while doing something else at the same time. Many seniors prefer browsing through the collection of large print books at Grace A. Dow Memorial Library.

especially while local schools are in session.

Books in large print, audio books, access to genealogical records, local history, and instructional aides – including one-on-one help for modern electronic devices – are among the resources available that attract seniors.

Jarvis said the library’s local history room also will be reopening soon.

“It is great for local history research,” she said.

The public can track down the history of every residence and business at every address in past editions of the Midland city directory, or do research through an online “ancestry library” that has billions of historical documents and photographs from around the world.

Jarvis said one of the best things about her job is helping people – and not just seniors – learn to master new electronic devices, like a Kindle or tablet.

“For more involved help, you can sign up for time to meet with me individually. I do really enjoy that – getting people more comfortable with the devices, to teach them a new skill," she said.

Jarvis said more people nowadays are enjoying audio books because they allow someone to do two things at once – like woodworking or knitting while listening to a book. She said she is among the readers who prefer to go paperless.

“I have to admit I am an e-book reader. I’m used to and I enjoy an e-book,” she said, noting they can be read in the dark because the only light that is needed is from the screen itself.

A recent local library addition for seniors is called “Spark a Memory,” a kit that contains themed, multi-sensory items to help initiate memories. Items in the kits include DVDs of music, images, photographs and conversation-starting cards.

The kits can be placed on hold by searching “Spark a Memory” in the library’s online catalog at www. gracedowlibrary.biblionix.com or can be found on display near the reference desk. Seniors also enjoy the library because they can pick up loads of reading material, jigsaw puzzles, crafts, and board games to work on with their grandchildren.

Jarvis grew up in an Ann Arbor home where both her parents were teachers. She said she wasn’t sure what kind of career she wanted to pursue.

Her undergraduate degree at Calvin College (now Calvin University) was in Renaissance and Reformation history. Then she attended Wayne State University for a master’s degree in library science.

She says now with confidence that she made the right choice.

“An advisor steered me into library science … and I’m thankful for that.”

Jarvis lives on the east side of Midland, where she enjoys her cat and pony.