From a message from Melanie Anderson, ALA Washington Office Director of Office of Government Relations (3/11/09):

“Yesterday, an email was sent out about the Senior Community Service Employment Program. This program places senior citizens in jobs at nonprofit and public facilities, including libraries. I understand there is some confusion about this program. Libraries do not apply for these funds. The funding is distributed to the states and to the 18 nonprofit organizations that have been approved by the US Department of Labor as a grantee. If you are interested in having a senior citizen placed in your library as an aide, you should contact the contact listed for your state to let them know you want to participate. http://www.doleta.gov/Seniors/html_docs/PYdirectory.cfm. You will not receive funds from this program but a worker paid for with the grant money.”

Following the link above the Washington contact is:

Kathy Leitch, Assistant Secretary
*Attention: Susan Shepherd, AAA Specialist
Aging & Disability Services Administration
640 Woodland Square Loop SE
Lacey, WA  98503
Ph: (360) 725-2418
Fax: (360) 438-8633
Toll Free: (800) 422-3263
Email: [email protected]

Update 3/17/09 It appears that seniors are ready to be placed as volunteers in libraries. Contact Susan Shepherd (see above). Be sure to read their stipulations. The expectation of the program is that volunteers will be hired into positions after one year. -Rand