Senior Services & Resources

The Library recognizes the contributions of our most senior patrons and would like to thank them for their loyal support of the Library over the years.  We appreciate your combined wealth of life experience and want to help you with your current needs whether they be finding a new large print series to read, learning a new hobby,  or navigating today’s technology. The Library is great spot to connect with people your own age and those across all ages in our community.

NICHE ACADEMY!  Niche Academy (via the link below) provides online tutorials covering the various online eResources that are available to you 24/7 through the Zelienople Area Public LIbrary website.  Currently there are 38 eResource Databases available via the Zelie Library Website (to see a list, go to https://zelienoplelibrary.org/a-to-z-eresources/).  These eResource databases include downloadable eBook databases, eAudiobook databases, eMagazine and ePeriodical databases, eNewspaper databases.  The content of each eResource is tailored toward broad age groups–adults, teens and children.   Examples of some of the available eResources for children include Bookflix, Trueflix and Tumblebook Library.  For Older students and Adults– Academic OneFile, Gale Databases, Gale eBooks and Greenfile Environmental Database.  You can easily research from home a product with online Consumer Reports.   There are also entertainment resources including Flipster for online magazines, Libby for eBooks and eAudios, and Hoopla for streaming film, television, music, audio and eBooks.   Learn more about each of the resources via a Niche Academy Tutorial–one click will get you started!

 

https://my.nicheacademy.com/zelienoplelibrary

SERVICES

  • For your reading pleasure the Library keeps a sizeable collection of large print fiction that we continue to add to based on your feedback and interests.
  • Looking for a book in large print that we only have in paperback?  No problem. You can request large print material  from other libraries throughout Butler County and through the larger interlibrary loan system.  It is free with your Library card. You can also request books on CD, DVDs and other material. Ask a staff member or volunteer to assist you. 
  • We are happy to help you navigate through any technology questions you may have including downloading , using email and other tasks.  We have public computers you can use or you may bring your own device and connect to the Library’s free wi-fi.  Just ask for the password. Ask the staff for assistance if you need to print or email a document to yourself.  Printing is .15 per black and white copy and available only from Library equipment, not your personal device.
  • If you are unable to visit the Library in person due to a long-term illness or disability we offer a Library-by-mail program.  Tell us what you like to read and you will receive reading material thru the mail based on your preferences. Click here to learn more about how the service works.
  • The Library also offers faxing service for patrons.  Cost to send a fax is $1.00 per page. 
  • The Zelienople Area Public Library is a site for AARP Tax Assistance.  This program is free for any senior citizen and other lower income individuals.  Volunteers meet at the Library February thru April 15 to assist with tax preparation.  Participants must have an appointment.  Appointments may be made for the current year after January 15 by calling 211, a United Way Resources Hotline for Pennsylvanians.  You may also contact the AARP Foundation for more information at 1888-AARP-NOW (1-888-227-7669).  For 2021 the location is expected to change.  Please call the number above after January 15, 2021 for updates. 

PROGRAMS

  • The Library’s Senior Cafe meets the third Monday of each month at 11 am.  We talk about the good old days and any other topic we can think of and use music, videos and objects to help spur our memories. All interested seniors are welcome to attend including those with memory issues and their caregivers. (Currently on hiatus due to COVID-19)
  • We know many older adults are interested in researching and preserving their family history for future generations. With that in mind the Library holds monthly Genealogy Group meetings with an experienced genealogist to give you the help you need to expand your family tree  Check under events on our home page for the next scheduled class or follow us on facebook. 
  • The Library hosts many monthly activities that are open to patrons of all ages that you may be interested in.  These include:  Tai Chi Classes, Chess Club, Craft Chat, Creative Writing Club and German and Spanish Conversation Hours. See our events page for more information.  
  • We also have special events and speakers scheduled throughout the year that present programs to improve your life and spark your interest through basic literacy, information literacy, health literacy, civic and social literacy and financial literacy. 
  • The Zelienople Library Presents … an Arts and Culture Speaker Series, is a popular fundraiser for the Library that appeals to all ages.  The series brings top-notch authors, artists, historians, designers, musicians and others to the Zelienople Area Public Library at a minimal cost to you the patron.  Tickets are $8 for adults per event and $3 for children 14 and under.  We also offer 5 free tickets to interested high school students.  A season ticket that includes all the Zelienople Library Presents programs is $25. Check our home page for information on upcoming offerings.  Most events are held at the Library.  Currently we are also doing live stream events due to covid-19. Those with a larger anticipated audience maybe held elsewhere in town, so check the location of the events you are interested in. 

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

SUBSCRIPTION eRESOURCES – Available with your Library Card

  • With your Library card, you can also download free ebooks and eaudios to your smart phone or other device.  Click here to get started with overdrive.com.  Download the Libby app for quick, easy access.  A service available to all member libraries of  the New Castle Library District.
  • Visit the Butler County Federated Library site for more ways to use your card online including other ebooks and eaudio options and Mango language learning with over 70 languages to chose from.  
  • You can save yourself some money and storage space by checking out magazines from the Library (1 week checkout) or reading magazines online with Flipster, an online magazine service available to Butler County Library card holders.   Flipster includes CR (Consumer Reports) and a variety of other magazines. 
  • A fantastic repository for audiobooks, movies, music, ebooks, comics, and television, Hoopla contains many popular, well-known, and current titles in this vast array of entertainment options. Download their app or follow or use the link above .
  • The Library subscribes to Ancestry.com Library Edition for your use in the Library.  You may use your own laptop or tablet to connect or use a Library computer.   
  • Questions about how to use the services mentioned above?  Feel free to call use at 724/452-9330 and set up a time for a staff member to introduce you to these resources and get you started, either on the phone or in person.   Email us at zaplib@bcfls.org. 

 Free Online Resources: