Focused on programs for public libraries, this commonsense primer for both frontline librarians and administrators challenges practitioners to rethink aging in the United States. Setting the tone for the entire book, the preface reframes services to patrons over the age of 50 in terms of “bonus years” and “midlife constituents,” rather than the oft-used terms “seniors” and “older adults.” From the outset, Schull notes that this book should not be considered comprehensive; rather, the goal is to enable librarians to examine their own landscapes and to “cherry pick” the ideas most applicable in their libraries. The author likewise notes that “this volume captures a series of works in progress rather than tried and true ‘best practices’” (xix).

50+ Library Services describes in depth the work of libraries in four “leading edge” states: Arizona, California, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Some ideas taken from public libraries in other states are also examined, albeit to a lesser degree. While examining ideas from these libraries, however, one of Schull’s cardinal tenets is that the best range of services and programs will be achieved only if librarians know their own communities’ needs, resources, and potential partners.

Highlighting the change in how we view services to aging adults, a librarian in Minnesota is quoted: “I think the paradigm will shift. People will not be interested in programs because they are for ‘seniors’ or for ‘adults.’ They will be attracted to programs because of their content and their schedule” (42).

Midlife adults are attracted to a wide array of programs and services, ranging from encore career advice and book clubs to arts events and wellness programs. Numerous examples of these programming endeavors are provided. One clear theme is that services and programs to midlife adults cannot continue to hinge on one-time grant projects, but must become integrated into the complete line-up of public libraries’ community offerings.

50+ Library Services would be more useful if it included statistics reporting the average program attendance for each of the examples discussed. Information about how many staff and how much staff time is invested in the programs would also be of help to readers. It is difficult to ascertain a return-on-investment for each of the programs, or the programs as a whole, without measurable quantitative and qualitative data.

Further proofreading of the book would have helped avoid errors such as the Fargo Public Library’s being described as located in South Dakota rather than North Dakota. However, these rather minor flaws do not detract from the overall substance and value of 50+ Library Services.

As Tempe Public Library’s slogan so aptly puts it, “the rest of your life begins with a cup of coffee.” 50+ Library Services inspires librarians to do the same: start the coffee conversation with our own communities and respond to the needs of adults finding the next chapter in their lives.

Highly recommended for all public libraries regardless of size, this book would serve as an excellent text for MLS and LTA coursework on public library programming.