Learn retirement tips at Baldwin Library

The stars from Birmingham Baldwin Library's Learning in Retirement program will share their highlights at a special presentation at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 21. The special presentation will give attendees a brief look into a typical session of Learning in Retirement, a dedicated group of active adults which meets on Wednesday mornings throughout the fall and winter at the library to teach and learn from one another. Throughout the Learning in Retirement semester, participants select a topic to explore and share their findings in a 30-minute class presentation. The fall session will begin its 13th year at Baldwin Library on September 25, as the group investigates and studies the Renaissance. Lois Frank, a member of Learning in Retirement for 12 years, said “This is not a class. It is a social, intellectual, and challenging experience mixed with fun and a chance to meet new people. It keeps my mind working.” Other participants praise the group for being a supportive, friendly, and happy place to learn and discuss historical, artistic, and present day issues. “The content and information that we cover each semester rivals a college level course where the students teach each other, but our class includes good snacks, good people, and no exams,” says participant Jim Suhay. Librarian Vicki Sower, the program’s facilitator, works closely with each participant during the semester to find supporting research and to prepare presentation materials. Of her experience, she said, “I’m the lucky one. It is exciting to work with a group of people with so much intellectual curiosity and creative energy within our own library environment.” A $50 registration fee includes weekly continental breakfasts, research assistance, full access to the library’s collection and databases, and a copy of the current reference book. To join the group, contact Vicki Sower at 248.554.4656 or vicki.sower@baldwinlib.org.