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SANTA CRUZ PUBLIC LIBRARIES PARTNERS WITH SUTTER HEALTH/PALO ALTO MEDICAL FOUNDATION TO ADVANCE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING IN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Partnership Brings linkAges programs such as ‘Tech Day for Older Adults’ & ‘Meet & Move’ for Family Caregivers to library branches on Saturday April 9th CONTACT: Santa Cruz Public Library System Sue Graziano 831-427-7706x7725 grazianos@santacruzpl.org Palo Alto Medical Foundation Innovation Center John Williams 408-205-4207 williajs@sutterhealth.org March 24, 2016—SANTA CRUZ, CA—The Santa Cruz Public Library System (SCPL), a network of 10 neighborhood library branches throughout Santa Cruz County, today announced an innovative partnership with the Sutter Health/Palo Alto Medical Foundation’s Innovation Center that establishes linkAges Community network and linkAges Meet & Move (developed in collaboration with El Camino Hospital) programming in support of a healthier Santa Cruz County. linkAges Community helps members form meaningful connections with people of all ages through rewarding exchanges of abilities and interests. Communities are strengthened as members connect with one another to share and learn skills or to give and receive help. The library has already hosted several orientation sessions to introduce community members to the benefits of participating in linkAges Community. The partnership has expanded to offer free programs that address community needs in health and wellness. According to Library Director Janis O’Driscoll, “connecting people with innovative programs and the information they need to feel healthier and more involved in the community is one of the most important things a library can do.” One of the upcoming programs focuses on pairing older adults with volunteer technology coaches to help them stay connected to family and friends, while the other focuses on connecting adult family caregivers with each other to walk and share their experiences. Opportunities to learn about and sign up for both programs will be available on April 9th. Saturday April 9, 2016 Tech Day for Older Adults: 10:00am – 1:00pm • Downtown Library, 224 Church St. Learn to use technology to connect with family and friends. Learn to use Skype or FaceTime, the basics for using your laptop, tablet, or smartphone, create a social network on Facebook or Google+, and sign up for linkAges where you can continue to get help with technology. Meet & Move: 11:00am – 12:00pm • Aptos Library 7695 Soquel Dr. It can be challenging to care for a family member or friend. This “walk & talk” offers family caregivers an opportunity to connect with others who understand, while helping to improve your fitness level. The program is ongoing and enrolling new participants now. Register online at https://timebank.linkages.org/meetandmove/ ABOUT THE SANTA CRUZ PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM: The Santa Cruz Public Libraries (SCPL) system delivers information, education, enrichment and inspiration through a network of 10 neighborhood library branches, a web-based digital library, a Bookmobile and community-based programs. SCPL serves children, teens and adults with innovative programming, professional services and community facilities that spark imagination and support discovery. Residents can explore a wide range of interests from academic research, book clubs and literacy programs to digital photography, locally-produced music and local history. Branch locations include Aptos, Boulder Creek, Branciforte, Capitola, Downtown Santa Cruz, Felton, Garfield Park, La Selva Beach, Live Oak and Scotts Valley. Learn more about SCPL at SantaCruzPL.org or via Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and YouTube. ABOUT LINKAGES: linkAges™ builds healthy communities through a network that connects people of all ages and empowers individuals to improve each other’s health by providing opportunities for meaningful connections. The linkAges network can be tailored to meet the unique needs of diverse communities.