By Librarian Gloria Cramer

The number of Minnesotans over age 65 will double in the next 25 years, according to the Minnesota Senior Federation. As the huge Baby Boomer generation ages, it "will usher in a permanent shift in the age of our population. Such a major shift in the age of our society has never happened before…" (www.mnseniors.org).

As the largest generation in America starts turning 60-something, what it means to age and retire is transforming, too. Today, the 55+ age group is more active and informed than ever before. If the Eden Prairie Library is your gathering place, social club, learning center, and family communication hub, your silver (-haired) years will be golden.

LIFELONG LEARNING
Were you among the many seniors who attended Eden Prairie Library programs on gardening, health issues, Medicare Part D, and travel resources in the past year? Or recent author and book talks? Percussion music by a Javanese gamelan orchestra in March?

Mark your calendar for "Container Gardening With a Master Gardener" on April 19 and meet Minnesota Book Award finalists in the Autobiography/Memoir category on April 30. We're celebrating Older Americans Month on May 1 with What's Age Got to Do With It author Joan Kennedy, music by the Summit Singers, door prizes, and refreshments. More "Age Well/Live Smart" programs are planned in the coming months.

Even non-swimmers can surf at the library! Senior Surf Day sessions on searching the Internet are always popular. Learn how to set up and use your own free Yahoo email account at Email Basics classes. More than a dozen computer classes for beginning, intermediate, and advanced computer users are scheduled at the EP Library in April and May — all are free. For more news of upcoming programs and classes, ask for an Events & Classes brochure at the library or go to www.hclib.org

Log on to www.bookspace.org — Hennepin County Library's new books and reading web pages — for suggested good reads, to sign up for "author alerts," to find out about upcoming author events, and more!

SENIORLINKS
Go to www.hclib.org and you're only one click away from SeniorLinks, where you'll be connected to online senior magazines, genealogy and family history info and websites, links to financial and legal sites, online travel planning, caregiving information, services and networks for seniors, and much more.

FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Assistive technology software on designated computers in the library helps people with disabilities use a computer. MagicPro is a magnification and speech program for low vision users. It allows the user to magnify the screen from 2 to 16 times the original size. Magic also “talks” to the user, repeating commands and helping to navigate the screen. Did you know that people with disabilities may apply for a fines-free library card and be exempt from fines if their books, magazines, CDs, and DVDs are overdue?

You’ll find Eden Prairie Library’s Large Print book collection within a short walking distance from the front entrance. Pick up a copy of the At Home Reader, a bi-monthly newsletter that features new and popular books, tapes and other materials of interest to adult readers. For residents of suburban Hennepin County who can't go to the library because of disability, illness, or no transportation, Hennepin County Library Outreach offers At Home service — free delivery of books and other library materials by mail or volunteer. For more information, call 952-847-8850.

FREE ADMISSION TO MUSEUMS
The Museum Adventure Pass program offers you free admission for up to 4 people at 17 participating museums and other organizations. The Museum Adventure Pass program runs through August and is sponsored by the participating organizations and Macy's, and coordinated by MELSA, the Metropolitan Library Service Agency. See the display at the Service Desk for more details.

FRIENDS, VOLUNTEERS, LIBRARY FOUNDATION
Be involved at the library by becoming a Friend of the Library or volunteer, or by donating to the Library Foundation of Hennepin County. Last year almost 4,000 volunteers and Friends of the Library enriched their own lives while supporting Hennepin County Library through a variety of volunteer tasks. By donating to the Foundation, your gift supports a nonprofit committed to literacy, lifelong learning, and innovative library service. April 15-21 is National Library Week and National Volunteer Week — a great time to become a Friend or volunteer or donate to the Library Foundation!

SENIOR STATUS
Whether you continue in the workforce, start a second career, consider new kinds of volunteer opportunities or even begin a whole new life adventure, take advantage of the considerable resources and services at the Eden Prairie Library for your next stage in life.

Find cozy seating for reading; learn basic, intermediate, and advanced computer skills; enjoy the company of your neighbors at library programs; e-mail family and friends; navigate a World Wide Web of information; and relish your senior status as you "Age Well/Live Smart" at the Eden Prairie Library.

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Computer Cracker Barrel
• Sponsored by the Eden Prairie Senior Center at the Eden Prairie Library
• A computer group for seniors with focus on Windows, the Internet and email. Bring your experiences and questions to share with the group. Facilitated by Senior Center Volunteers.
• First Friday of the month from 10-11 am in the Eden Prairie Library Training room.
• No registration required.
• For more information call the Senior Center, 952-949-8475.

Kickoff Party for Senior Awareness Month
• May 1, 1-2:30 pm
• Sponsored by Eden Prairie Library and Summit Place
• Local author Joan Kennedy will discuss her book, What’s Age Got To Do With It? at 1:30 p.m.
• Performance by the Summit Place Singers
• Latest computer technology demonstrated.
• Free refreshments
• Door prizes