Abstract

Baby boomers, who make up approximately 30 percent of the United States population, are a diverse 55+ generation born between 1945 and 1965. Libraries in the twenty-first century need to find effective ways of reaching out to a growing baby boomer generation, not only in providing resources and services but also in including these patrons in volunteering activities. Public libraries in democratic, pluralistic societies have a responsibility to create welcoming community environments that engage baby boomers as they seek access to information, services and programming, and opportunities for volunteerism and multigenerational civic engagement.