This vision is coming to life through the Advancing Creative Aging Through State Library Leadership (SLL) initiative—a groundbreaking partnership between Lifetime Arts, libraries in Missouri and Wyoming, and Califa Group, with support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and David M. Scheie, President of Touchstone Center for Collaborative Inquiry. Now at the halfway mark of its three-year journey, this project is celebrating remarkable progress and reflecting on lessons learned as it shapes libraries into vibrant hubs for creative aging.
Weaving Creative Aging into the Fabric of Libraries
Launched in October 2022, this project set out with an ambitious goal: to demonstrate the leadership role libraries play in promoting healthy aging and lifelong learning through creative aging. The project was designed to train library workers in delivering these programs, provide learning resources, fund pilot programs, and build public awareness of creative aging. By fostering artistic expression and social engagement, the project aims to combat the challenges of ageism and social isolation, enhancing the well-being of older adults, and illustrate the innovative ways libraries are serving their communities.
In its first two years, this project has equipped 50 library workers to run impactful programs throughout Missouri and Wyoming. Beyond the core group running-grant funded projects, an additional 200 library workers in those states and 600 elsewhere in the country have been inspired to integrate creative aging practices into their services for adults.
The Power of Creativity: Impact on Older Adults
For participants, the benefits of creative aging programming have been profound. Classes in art forms ranging from ceramics to ukulele brought opportunities for skill-building, social connection, and personal growth. More than 90% of participants reported feeling their creative expression improved, and 86% said their confidence in creating art grew significantly. But these numbers tell only part of the story. The comments from participants reveal the lasting impact:
“This class made me try something new. It gave me confidence to explore art without a pattern or rules. I’m so grateful for this experience.”
More than 90% of participants reported feeling their creative expression improved, and 86% said their confidence in creating art grew significantly.
Over 70% of participants said they formed new or stronger relationships through their creative aging classes, and many reported rekindling old friendships.
Social connection was another vital outcome. Over 70% of participants said they formed new or stronger relationships through their creative aging classes, and many reported rekindling old friendships. These classes created a welcoming space to share ideas, laugh together, and support one another. One participant reflected:
“This class gave me a reason to leave the house. It was so much fun learning alongside others. I even reconnected with an old friend I hadn’t seen in 20 years.”
For many, the programs were transformative, providing joy and purpose in ways that extended beyond the art itself. One participant described how the class became a lifeline for them during an especially traumatic circumstance:
“Some days are really hard, but this class allowed me time to be creative, to relax, and to feel at peace for a couple of hours. It kept me moving when I didn’t want to. Thank you.”
Libraries as Catalysts for Community Change
This project is not only transforming the lives of participants, but also reshaping libraries’ roles within their communities. As centers for creative aging, libraries are expanding their role as champions of lifelong learning and social engagement, challenging stereotypes about aging in the process.
Library workers have grown more confident in planning, executing, and evaluating creative aging programs. Many have embraced the challenge of hosting eight-session classes—often a logistical puzzle—and are discovering the power of culminating public events. These events showcase participants’ work, attract diverse audiences, and spark conversations about aging and creativity.
One librarian shared the impact of these events on attendees:
“People were amazed by the quality of the art created. Friends and family couldn’t believe how much participants had achieved. The events also made our library shine as a center for community creativity.”
This work has also strengthened community partnerships. In Wyoming, a library partnered with a local nature center to display participants’ artwork, while another incorporated a culminating event into a dance recital featuring performers of all ages. These collaborations are helping libraries expand their reach and deepen their community ties.
Lessons Learned at the Midpoint
The project’s first 18 months have provided valuable insights. One recurring theme is the importance of teaching artists. Their flexibility, expertise, and ability to nurture creativity have proven essential to program success. As one librarian noted:
“Having an experienced teaching artist made all the difference. They knew their craft and were able to adapt to our participants’ needs.”
Another lesson is the value of the culminating events. While some participants were initially hesitant to showcase their work publicly, many came to see these events as joyful celebrations of their achievements. Librarians also realized that these events are powerful tools for building awareness and support for creative aging within the community.
However, challenges remain. Scheduling multi-session programs requires careful coordination, especially in libraries with limited space and staff. Additionally, finding skilled teaching artists in less populated areas can be difficult. Despite these hurdles, Lifetime Arts’ training resources on community assessment, teaching artist collaboration, and partnership development have helped libraries think outside the box and find innovative ways to make these programs happen. Most importantly, the enthusiasm of library staff and participants continues to drive the project forward.
Looking Ahead: Sustainability and Growth
As the initiative moves into its final year, the focus is shifting toward sustainability. Libraries are exploring ways to secure funding for future creative aging programs, often partnering with local foundations or arts councils. In Wyoming, some libraries have already committed additional funds to expand their offerings.
State libraries are also stepping up. The Missouri State Library, for instance, has identified funding to support creative aging programs beyond the project’s timeline. Meanwhile, Wyoming’s library leaders are working with the Wyoming Arts Council to promote creative aging statewide.
This emphasis on sustainability ensures that creative aging will remain a cornerstone of library programming long after the project concludes. The goal, as one Missouri State Library leader put it, is for creative aging to become as integral to libraries as summer reading programs:
“We want people to expect and look forward to creative aging programs every year.”
Join the Movement
This work is proving that creativity and connection are not bound by age. It’s a movement that celebrates older adults as artists, learners, and contributors, while transforming libraries into dynamic spaces for growth and community.
As the project enters its final phase, the stories of participants and library workers alike remind us of the power of art to inspire, heal, and connect. Whether you’re a librarian, a teaching artist, or simply someone who believes in the power of creativity, we invite you to join us in shaping a brighter future through creative aging.
Stay tuned for more updates, success stories, and opportunities to get involved as this initiative continues to redefine aging, one library at a time.
Are you a library worker in Wyoming or Missouri? It’s not too late to get involved! Contact us to learn more.
Art Forms
Dance, Music (Instrumental), Visual Arts, Visual Arts > Sculpture
Audiences
Arts and Community Orgnizations, Library Systems, Teaching Artists
Year
Fields
Arts Agency (formerly Arts Council), Arts Organization, Government Agency, Government Agency > State, Library, Teaching Artist
Focuses
Accessibility, Partnerships, Rural
Services
Coaching, Initiative, Partnerships, Seed Programs, Training