Tulare Library Launches YouTube Channel for Seniors

Lights, camera, action! The Tulare Public Library has launched a YouTube channel designed to cover topics of interest to seniors, among other things.

"The YouTube channel is there to highlight the various virtual programs that Tulare Public Library provides," said Heidi Clark, library manager for the Tulare Public Library, adding that "Senior Spotlight" is one of several program options on the site. The programming on "Senior Spotlight" is specifically for seniors, their caregivers and all interested adults about a wide array of topics.

The idea for the program came from Rosemary Navarro, senior library assistant.

"I was recently given the opportunity to join the Adult Programming Team," said Navarro, who hosts the online series. "In reviewing our targeted audiences, it was noticed that we were lacking in reaching out specifically to the senior citizens in our community."

The first episode, added late this summer, covers the library's Genealogy Room and helps viewers understand what is available and how to access it. The second video was added in the past month and discusses the most common types of fraud and how to avoid becoming a victim. Plans call for new episodes to be added monthly, although Navarro said that may change depending on the circumstances of the Covid pandemic and how it evolves.

Future topics include a joint virtual program in November with Tulare County Foodlink, including a demonstration on how to create a healthy no-bake dessert. December's episode will be a demonstration for seniors, who may have dexterity issues, on how to create a holiday craft project. The supplies are promised to be common household items that most should have available. For those who can come to the library in person, supplies will be provided free of charge, though it is limited to the first 30 who come to the library to pick up the supplies.

At press time, there were 116 subscribers to the YouTube channel, surpassing the initial goal of reaching 100, which allows the channel to have its own unique website address.

"We were very happy to reach our initial goal of 100 subscribers," said Clark.

While the library's YouTube channel features more than just programming for seniors, Senior Spotlight's addition to the lineup helped launch an initiative to reach one of the library's most vulnerable audiences, older area residents who are vulnerable to Covid 19.

"With the ongoing pandemic and with senior citizens being a high-risk group, I had to start a virtual program," said Navarro.

For more information, log on to https://www.youtube.com/c/TularePublicLibrary/playlists then click on Senior Spotlight. To subscribe for free, click on the subscribe button.