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Volume 18, Issue 46 | Wed., November 12, 2025
‘Book Talk’ program invites older adults to connect through reading Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
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For many older adults, finding meaningful social connection can become increasingly difficult as workplaces fade into memory, children grow busier, and everyday routines become quieter — but a new monthly program hopes to change that one conversation at a time. Launched through Age-Friendly Moose Jaw in partnership with the Moose Jaw Public Library (MJPL), the Saskatchewan Seniors’ Mechanism, and the Moose Jaw and District Senior Citizens Association, “Book Talk” will run on the second Thursday of each month from October through February 2026. Each session is offered from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Timothy Eaton Centre lounge and the concept is simple: show up at no cost, sip free coffee, enjoy complimentary snacks, and talk about books. “Isolation can be a big factor for older adults in our community, and programs like this really help bring them together so they don’t feel so isolated,” said Age-Friendly Moose Jaw older adult program co-ordinator Sky Klein. Guided by James Miller, a library technician with the MJPL, each session is designed to be friendly, casual, and open to anyone. Each meeting can work as a standalone session and is offered on a come-and-go basis. “There’s no need for anyone to sign up — just come on in,” Klein said. Each month highlights a different genre, beginning with historical fiction on Nov. 13 and leading into non-fiction on Dec. 11, mystery on Jan. 8, 2026, and classics on Feb. 12, 2026. Participants are encouraged to
bring any book of their choosing that fits the monthly theme and share what they’ve been reading, explain why they enjoyed it, and offer recommendations to others. “(You can bring) any book that would be associated with the genre (for that month),” Klein said. “Hopefully you can get other people to read your favourite historical fiction (book), and you might find some new (books) that you would like to read as well.” Klein, who started with Age-Friendly Moose Jaw in September, is looking forward to her first session. “Honestly, I love reading. I’ve been a very big reader my whole life, so I’m really excited to go in and see what kind of books
everybody has been reading,” she said. “I can’t say historical fiction is my favourite (genre), but I’m always up for a good recommendation.” The lounge can accommodate up to 40 guests, and while Klein wasn’t present for previous rounds of the program, she hopes to see strong turnout at her first session on Nov. 13. She recommends guests arrive five to 10 minutes early to facilitate a few introductions. Intergenerational programming For those interested in additional program options for older adults, Age-Friendly Moose Jaw is currently working to expand intergenerational programming that matches older adults and local students for crafts, cards, board games, pickleball, and more. Klein is currently gauging interest from the community before these programs proceed. “We’ve partnered with the MJPL and the Timothy Eaton Centre to offer crafts … (and) things along those lines for kids and seniors to interact together,” she said. “I’m having a hard time getting seniors interested, so I just need to get the word out there.” Residents aged 55 and older who are interested in future intergenerational programs can contact Klein at Age.Friendly. MJ.Programming@gmail.com or by phone at 306-690-4048. No registration is required to attend Book Talk sessions. The Timothy Eaton Centre is located at 510 Main Street North and can be reached at 306-694-4223. For more information about Age-Friendly Moose Jaw, located at the same address, visit AgeFriendlySK.ca.