Interest: Seniors & Caregivers
Interest: Seniors & Caregivers
A Century of Black History Commemorations
Published: January 26, 2026
February is Black History Month. Check out YDL resources and events that celebrate throughout the month.
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Celebrate the Holidays with a Library Card
Published: November 29, 2025
YDL is teaming up with Beyond Choir to offer a free concert ticket to anyone who signs up for a new library card by December 20.
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Finally Back on the Block!
Published: April 11, 2025
Patrons and library staff can let out a collective breath as the downtown branch (finally) reopens.
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Black History Month 2025
Published: February 4, 2025
February is Black History Month. This year’s theme is “Black Resistance,” which recognizes and celebrates the resistance of Black people, organizations, and institutions to racism in the past and present.
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Access Granted: September is Library Card Sign-Up Month
Published: August 30, 2024
September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month
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New catalog coming soon
Published: July 15, 2024
Upgrade coming! Catalog services unavailable August 13-21.
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Celebrate National Library Week with YDL!
Published: April 3, 2024
April 7-13 marks National Library Week 2024, a week dedicated to honoring libraries, library workers, and their impacts on their communities. This year’s theme is Ready, Set, Library!
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September is National Library Card Sign-up Month!
Published: August 28, 2023
September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month
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Celebrate National Library Week 2023!
Published: April 19, 2023
April 23-29 marks National Library Week 2023, a week dedicated to honoring libraries, library workers, and their impacts on their communities. This year’s theme is “There’s more to the Story.”
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We Can Help With Low Vision Aids
Published: March 8, 2023
Vision impairment — including low vision — affects millions of Americans and can make it hard to read, shop, cook, or write. YDL has devices, kits, and materials to help. We have Magnifiers of various strengths and sizes available at the Whittaker branch to check out, a wide selection of large print books, including new bestsellers, at the Whittaker and Superior branches, and Adaptive computers are available for use at the Whittaker and Michigan Avenue branches. Enjoy everything the library has to offer!
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Free Classes Available to Seniors
Published: October 10, 2022
Are you looking to keep your mind and body engaged? Washtenaw Community College offers senior focused classes for Washtenaw county residents 65 years and better. Choose from a variety of topics including fitness, visual arts, yoga, dance and more. These classes are requested by and designed especially for older adults. Classes are held at the Ypsilanti Senior Citizens Recreation Center on N. Congress St., 734-483-5014 and at the Ypsilanti Township Community Center on E. Clark Rd., Ypsilanti, 734-544-3800. Contact the individual centers for specific class details and to register.
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Welcome to Fine-Free
Published: May 31, 2022
Exciting news! Effective June 1, YDL will no longer charge fines for late materials.
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VISIONS Fair Showcases Disability Access Products and Services
Published: May 21, 2022
The 2022 VISIONS Vendor Fair takes place on Wednesday, June 8th from 11-4pm at the Ann Arbor District Library and features a variety of Michigan exhibitors who will demonstrate the latest products and services for the blind, visually impaired and physically disabled. Electronic readers, magnifiers, support services for the blind, Braille devices, library services, CCTVs, leader dogs, and transportation services are just a few of the many outstanding services and products that will be on display. The VISIONS Vendor Fair is presented by and is held at the downtown branch of the Ann Arbor District Library (which also serves as …
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YDL’s Senior Advisory Board keeps inspiring; seeks new members
Published: April 13, 2022
YDL’s Senior Advisory Board has been supporting and inspiring Ypsilanti’s older population since 2015, and they’re looking for new members to join the mission.
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Housing Choice Voucher waiting list to open March 15, 2022
Published: February 25, 2022
Get help applying at the Library! If you are low-income and need assistance in paying your rent, consider applying for the Housing Choice Voucher program wait list. Generally, to be eligible, families must have income levels at or below the extremely low income limit set by HUD for county and family size. These limits vary; the limits for Washtenaw County can be found by clicking here. The Housing Choice Voucher waiting list program will open March 15, 2022 at 9am and close March 22, 2022, at 3pm. Applications must be submitted online. If you need help, please stop by YDL-Michigan …
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Accessibility Improvements to Libby
Published: December 20, 2021
YDL’s digital service Libby (Overdrive) has made some accessibility improvements to the Libby app. After partnering with the accessibility platform Fable, and based on research and direct feedback from users with visual, motor and cognitive disabilities there are several new updates that make the Libby app more accessible for all users. Check them out!
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Kanopy
Kanopy is a video-streaming platform dedicated to thoughtful and thought-provoking films.
Get Your Library Card This September
Published: September 1, 2021
September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month
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Online classes for older adults
Published: April 25, 2021
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and GetSetup-Michigan have online classes for older adults where you can get computer, fitness, and other help.
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Preservation Week 2021
Preservation Week 2021 The American Library Association established Preservation Week to connect communities through events, activities, and resources that highlight what we can do to preserve personal and shared collections. April 25-May 1 focuses on the ways to explore the many facets of preservation through YDL, in the community, and in the wider world. Saving Your Stuff gives tips to help you start preserving all sorts of items from film to LP records to paper. Ask Donia, a preservation specialist, your preservation questions! Preservation for Families offers ideas to get the whole family involved. Using Oral History to Tell Your …
Help for Caregivers
Published: July 31, 2020
The Area Agency on Aging 1-B (AAA 1-B) has a new program to support family caregivers. Caregiver Coaching aims to smooth the way for family caregivers by providing them with a trained volunteer coach who can provide a listening ear, talk through care options, and provide access to resources the caregiver may need. Caregiver Coaching is free to family and informal caregivers (anyone who is caring for a spouse, sibling or other loved one). After the coach and caregiver are matched, they communicate by phone for a one-time consultation or ongoing support, at times that are convenient for the caregiver. …
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YDL’s Update on Resuming Services
Published: June 2, 2020
We’re excited to resume operations at YDL, and we appreciate everyone’s patience and perseverance. We plan to gradually phase in our services in a way that keeps our community, patrons, and staff safe. Please read on for more information about what to expect as we re-open responsibly.
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DIA at Home
Published: May 28, 2020
Are you an art lover? The Detroit Institute of Arts partners with a wide range of regional non-profit organizations for weekly programming in the museum. Enjoy the work of those partners online through video, slideshows, images and more – from dance and music to artist demonstrations and community art projects.
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How graphic novels are helping doctors and patients
Published: March 2, 2020
“Something remarkable and game changing is being sparked in the alliance between comics and medicine. It’s becoming clear that these graphic narratives can deepen understanding, not only of facts but of feelings, between patients, family, and professionals. A spoonful of comics really does help the medicine go down.” – Paul Gravett, author of Comics Art and the editor of 1001 Comics You Must Read Before You Die Graphic Medicine is the use of comics in medical education and patient care. Graphic novels related to illness, aging, and other difficult topics are emerging as a robust and widely varied sub-genre of …
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Help for Veterans is Available
Published: November 14, 2019
Did you know that as of 2019, 11.7 million veterans are over the age of 65, which is about 61% of all veterans (U.S. Department of Labor – Bureau of Labor Statistics)? The Washtenaw County Department of Veterans Affairs can help veterans, their survivors and dependents, file claims for benefits from Federal, State, and Local governments and receive help with VA Pension, life insurance and health care, financial assistance with food, transportation, and housing, and funeral and burial reimbursements. Their mission is to provide accurate, efficient and timely services to ensure delivery of benefits to veterans and their families. If …
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Have Questions about Medicare or Medicaid?
Published: June 10, 2019
Get unbiased advice to make the right decisions about your health care. Schedule a one-on-one conversation with an experienced health counselor, provided by the Area Agency on Aging 1-B. Counselors are available at the Michigan Avenue branch of YDL June 8, 22, July 13, 27, August 10, and 24. Make an appointment by calling 800-803-7174.
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Nature and History Tours With Your County Parks
Published: May 20, 2019
Spring has sprung and it’s a great time to get outside and enjoy nature. Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation offers nature and history programs for all to enjoy. Programs are free for Washtenaw county residents.Feed your mind and spirit with Washtenaw County Parks!
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Free Legal Advice Day CANCELLED
Published: April 15, 2019
Get twenty minutes of free legal advice from the New Lawyers Section of the Washtenaw County Bar Association in celebration of National Law Day on Wednesday, May 1st. Consultations will take place at YDL-Michigan between 10am and 3:30pm. To schedule an appointment, please call 734-996-3229, starting April 16th. Walk-ins welcome as time allows.
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TheRide for Seniors
Published: February 27, 2019
Getting around town can be challenging for seniors who don’t or can’t drive themselves. The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide), a not-for-profit unit of government, operates the local public transit system for the greater Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area. This service enables the area’s residents to reach their destinations at reasonable cost, and offers the region efficient, environmentally sound transportation alternatives. The Ride offers several unique programs and services for individuals ages 60 and older. AAATA representative Tracy Byrd will share details about ARide, GoldRide, and GroceryRide on Thursday, March 7 at 3:00 pm at YDL-Whittaker. Come and find out how TheRide might help you …
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Free Tax Prep at YDL & Beyond
Published: January 9, 2019
It is tax season once again, but don’t despair! If you are a local resident with low income, you have many options available for free tax preparation. Local organizations including the AARP Foundation, United Way of Washtenaw County, and the Eastern Michigan University Accounting Society have partnered with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs to help taxpayers receive more of their tax refund. A detailed list of sites, dates, and times is available by clicking here. YDL’s Michigan Avenue branch is one of AARP’s tax preparation sites. To learn more about getting your …
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Back to school is not just for kids
Published: October 1, 2018
Its never too late to learn new skills, expand your knowledge, and keep your brain healthy.
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NoveList Plus
Trusted source of read-alike recommendations to help kids and adults find books that are just right for their reading level and interest.
MyHeritage: Library Edition
One of the largest genealogy databases of its kind, with over 6 billion historical records from the U.S. and around the world.
HealthSource: Consumer Edition
HealthSource: Consumer Edition is a database that contains consumer health magazines.
Consumer Health Complete
Consumer Health Complete is a database that contains medical encyclopedias, books, and magazine articles.
Alt HealthWatch
Alt HealthWatch is a database that uses complementary, holistic, integrated approaches.
You’re Invited to our 150th Birthday Party!
Published: August 27, 2018
Celebrate 150 years of library service to the community with music, kids activities, history, and cake!
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Help with Home Repairs and Maintenance
Published: May 31, 2018
Neighborhood Senior Services supports seniors, age 60 and older, who want to stay in their homes with added support from services and programs. Cost–sharing contributions are requested, but no one is turned away based upon ability to pay. They offer a variety of household chores and repairs, some of which are: basic plumbing installation of grab bars lawn mowing gutter cleaning construction of access ramps Neighborhood Senior Services is funded in part by the Federal Older Americans Act and the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging through the Area Agency on Aging 1-B. Funding is also received from Washtenaw …
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What is Creative Aging?
Published: February 6, 2018
Research on the aging process has shown that participating in the arts contributes to positive aging, promoting personal growth, enhanced well-being, and social engagement. Dr Gene Cohen’s landmark study on Arts and Aging illuminates how the creative arts promotes healthier aging. YDL has embraced this idea by offering several creative aging workshops for those 55 years and older. Local professional artists partner with the library to offer free instructional programs that build skills in the arts through participatory workshops and culminate in a public sharing. Recent courses in the Creative Aging series have included: Acrylic Painting: with artist Debra Golden Photography: with Jennifer …
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Techboomers: quality, up-to-date information and tutorials
Published: February 5, 2018
The Internet is changing our world. Techboomers can help you keep up. This free educational website teaches older adults and other inexperienced Internet users with basic computer skills about websites that can help improve their quality of life.
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Medline Plus
Extensive and up-to-date information about diseases, conditions, drugs, and clinical trials. Appropriate for patients, families, and doctors.
Libby (OverDrive)
Download ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines to your computer, tablet, phone, or eReader.
Hoopla
Download movies, television shows, music, comic books, eBooks, and eAudiobooks to your laptop or mobile device.
Consumer Reports
Complete access to the popular product evaluation and ratings magazine.
Ancestry
A large collection of census, vital, military, and immigration records for genealogy research. ***Remote access to Ancestry has ended. You will again have to use a library computer to access the database.***
Gardens
Pollinator and Community Gardens at YDL-Michigan
Learning Never Gets Old
Programs and services for older adults
