Although I’d never have believed it at the age of 25 or 30, there really is such a thing as staying home for several days in a row – without getting bored. Of course, that works best if you have a time-consuming hobby.

Some people are homebound not by choice, and thankfully, there are some organizations in Maine that are recognizing their needs. We’d like to hear from all those groups in our reading area, so that we can bridge the information gap – and bring the good word to all those who can change their lives by taking advantage of services available.

Walker Memorial Library in Westbrook has a wonderful outreach service – as we read about recently on their website, where they ask:

“Do you like to use the library? Do you like to read? Can’t read anymore? Like watching movies? But can’t get to the library to borrow DVDs? We can help. Walker Memorial Library has an outreach program. Walker wants to bring the library to you! We are delivering materials to homebound Westbrook individuals who have medical issues or no transportation. Walker is extending its reach. Seniors need to sign up for a free library card. Volunteers are prepared to visit on a regular basis and bring materials to listen to, read, or view and return materials that have been used. We serve those who are in their home and those in senior housing. Applications are available for seniors at Walker Memorial Library. Call 854-0630 at extension 5; ask for Jenny Santomauro, who is coordinating this service. A brief confidential survey to determine reading interests will be completed so that librarians can selection appropriate materials for you. We look forward to serving you. Please call us.”

If your library offers similar services for seniors, please get in touch with me and let’s get the word out for those in need. Public libraries and those who work in them provide us all with services not found in any other municipal entity.

For those who are not housebound, AARP is again signing up folks for the all-new AARP Smart Driver course for drivers age 50 and older. This will be presented from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Windham Public Library on Saturday, June 28 Advance registration no later than June 23 is requested. Class size is limited and registrations are accepted first-come, first-served. To register, phone John Hammon, volunteer instructor, at 655-4943. The registration fee is $15 for AARP members, $20 for others. Maine drivers 55 years of age and older are entitled to discounts on their insurance premiums for three years after completing this course and may take the class again after three years to continue receiving the discount.

Kay Soldier welcomes reader ideas for column topics of interest to seniors. She can be reached by email at kso48@aol.com, or write to 114 Tandberg Trail, Windham, ME 04062.