Staff Picks: Intergenerational Stories

"Connections between generations are essential for the mental health and stability of a nation." –Margaret Mea

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the Library has so much to offer beyond the self-help bookshelf. Some of the most impactful books I have read are not just how-to manuals, but snapshots of what it’s like to walk in someone else’s shoes, especially with regard to age. 

Meaningful intergenerational relationships have been found to provide major benefits for the physical and mental well being of everyone involved. According to a study in the 2025 Journal of Applied Gerontology, intergenerational interactions diminish loneliness and enhance social engagement for seniors. A Boston College study revealed that close grandparent-grandchild relationships are associated with fewer depression symptoms for both.

Younger generations report that these relationships help to improve their self-esteem, confidence, and emotional regulation. Kids often pick up life skills they may not have learned otherwise, unique perspectives, and wisdom that only comes with time and experience. 

If you want to be inspired, check out these timeless titles for kids and adults about the amazing and unexpected things that can happen when people young and old mingle and mix. 

My Grandma is a Superhero by Marloes van Loon

“A gentle story that helps children understand what happens when a grandparent has Alzheimer's disease and cope with their confusion and fading memory.” –Library Aware

The Sun Never Hurries by Roxanne Turcotte

"When young Charlie asks her grandfather, Papa Jo, what his hourglass is for, he demonstrates the answer by inviting her to spend the day at a leisurely pace. Charlie and Papa Jo cook delicious soup, pick wildflowers, row a boat, and explore an island in this heartwarming story. By doing this, Papa Jo shows Charlie the importance of slowing down and savoring her day." –FCPL Catalog

A Grand Day by Jean Reidy

"A heartfelt, exuberant ode to intergenerational bonding." –Kirkus Reviews

The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise by Colleen Oakley

"An octogenarian and a 21-year-old college dropout form an unlikely bond as they travel across the country." –Kirkus Reviews

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

"A grumpy yet loveable man finds his solitary world turned on its head when a boisterous young family moves in next door." –FCPL Catalog

The Road to Tender Hearts by Anne Harnett

"A beautiful reminder that the world is full of tragedy, but life-changing joy and connection might be just around the corner." –Kirkus Reviews

Joanie Goforth
Outreach Specialist

Dance Into India: An Interactive Indian Dance Workshop

What if you could travel across India without ever leaving your local library?

That’s what "Dance Into India" brought to participants at the Sharon Forks Library through an interactive program filled with dance and cultural exploration. During this one-hour session, kids and families were introduced to different Indian dance styles in an engaging way that combined presentation and performance. From the very beginning, the participants were excited and involved and eagerly joined in by practicing dance hand gestures and learning about the meaning and significance behind each style.

The energy stayed high throughout the program, and because the kids were so engaged and picked up the movements so quickly, there was even enough time to learn two dances during the session. Planning the program involved choosing dance styles that would be entertaining for the participants, choreographing three dances in a simple yet engaging way, and creating a presentation teaching key facts of each style. 

This program taught me that the most memorable events are not just well-planned, but also flexible and responsive to the audience. Overall, "Dance Into India" was a lively and enjoyable experience that gave participants a chance to explore Indian culture through dance while building confidence, curiosity, and community.

Dayamayee Ramu Dayalan

Youth Services Intern

Sharon Forks Library

Unreadable Podcast Transcript - Summer 2026

In this episode, Ross speaks with Sarah Brubaker, Programming Manager at FCPL, about this year's Summer Reading Challenge: Unearth a Story. The Summer Reading Challenge will run from May 22 to August 5 and will feature a variety of awesome programs and grand prizes. Make sure to check out all the activities going on across the branches on our website or in the printed Summer 2026 Magazine available at all branches.