Life is full of transitions — changes in careers, the beginning and ending of relationships, living in new locations, coping with the loss of loved ones — to name just a few.  As Boomers approach their fifties, they can generally expect 30 or more years of productive living before they may have to confront the physical and mental decline traditionally associated with the very elderly.

Options abound for them — whether it’s beginning a new relationship or re-igniting an old one, starting a new business or encore career, going back to school to re-tool skills or for the pure joy of learning, traveling the world or exploring their own backyards, or giving back by making a difference in their own communities. Often Boomers also take on new responsibilities of caring for aging parents, raising grandchildren, or managing their own chronic illnesses. In keeping with the “you can have it all” philosophy that has characterized this generation, Boomers often navigate more than one of these life options at a time.

What is noticeably absent are the clear markers, tools and supports to assist Boomers in managing and succeeding in this stage of their lives. With new opportunities and responsibilities come the requisite investments of time, money and energy necessary to discover their goals and passions, develop new life plans, learn new skills, and find a balance of purpose and meaning.

Public libraries and other public, private and nonprofit organizations have the opportunity to position themselves as life option resource centers on such topics as aging and health, care-giving, small business ventures, volunteerism, tourism and travel, arts and culture, education and skill building — to name just a few. Libraries can offer inviting physical spaces for Boomers and people of all ages to gather as they learn and live together in community. Libraries can also serve Boomers by being a broker to other community resources and opportunities, including helping Boomers to engage their diverse passions and talents in service to their communities and our public libraries!