Good Reads for Seniors

The Greater Victoria Public Library has adapted its services during the pandemic. You can pick up items you have put on hold and browse a small selection of available books in-person.

For those who self-identify as senior or immuno-compromised the library is open from 11:00 am-12:00 pm, Monday—Saturday. Everyone else can visit the library from 12-4PM. You can also access books digitally anytime via CloudLibrary, and the Digital Resources, and EBooks section of their website at www.gvpl.ca.

Books We Recommend

• The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 by John Bishop

• I’m Too Young to be Seventy by Judy Viorst

• A Man Called Ove by Frederick Backman

• Ivy Malone Mystery Series by Lorena McCourtney

• The Blossom Sisters by Fern Michaels

• The Boys in the Boat by James Brown

Senior Peer 1 to 1 Support Program

If you, or someone you know is 55+ and experiencing:

• Loneliness and isolation

• Loss & grief

• Health related challenges and aging concerns

• A need to connect to their community

• Isolation from friends and family

• Life transitions

We can help. The Senior Peer 1 to 1 Support Program provides confidential, no-cost, one-to-one support in Victoria and Saanich. Trained volunteers offer a listening, non-judgmental ear, and assistance with coping skills and strategies.

For more information call Linda at 250-595-8008 ext. 126 or Peggy at 250-595-8008 ext. 128 SVSS Client Services

Donna, Volunteer Gardener

Donna has been a volunteer with SVSS for 24 years and received the Valued Elder Recognition Award (VERA - UVic) for 2020! She says, “volunteering makes me feel good to be able to help someone by doing something that I like to do.”

Donna has been a volunteer companion visitor and driver. She is a keen gardener and weekly tends to the beautiful flower beds that encircle SVSS McRae House. Donna’s love of gardening is the extra gift she gives SVSS. We look forward to spring and Donna’s magic touch bringing the flower beds around McCrae House alive with colour and beauty.

The work of a volunteer gardener is never ending and always appreciated. Her knowledge of our native plants is phenomenal and this winter she has gone over and beyond with emptying our overflowing compost bins!