Empower Older Adults in Your Library with Gale Presents: GetSetUp

| By Gale Staff |

Public libraries are always evolving, and librarians play an essential role as connectors, educators, and champions for equitable access. Where can libraries make a significant impact today? Serving your community’s growing population of aging adults, many who are eager to learn new things, make social connections, and build digital confidence.

But here’s the challenge: Traditional library programming can be staff-intensive, and older adults often face barriers to participation, whether it’s transportation, tech comfort, or simply not knowing where to begin.

That’s where Gale Presents: GetSetUp can make a difference in your library.

Introducing Gale Presents: GetSetUp

Gale Presents: GetSetUp is a turnkey online learning platform designed specifically for adults aged 55+. This accessible resource helps public libraries deliver meaningful digital learning experiences that improve quality of life, reduce isolation, and encourage lifelong engagement for older adults, without adding strain to your staff or programming resources.

Key Features & Real-World Benefits:

• Extensive Learning Catalog: Patrons can choose from a rotating catalog of 5,000+ live and on-demand classes, short videos, and articles, which are refreshed often to stay current, relevant, and seasonal. Wide-ranging topics include technology, wellness, finance, cooking, travel, and more.
• Social, Peer-Led Learning: Older adult instructors, called Guides, create a relatable, welcoming space for learners to connect, ask questions, and feel heard.
• Flexible, Self-Paced Access: Live and on-demand options allow patrons to learn whenever and wherever they’re most comfortable—at home or in the library.
• Digital Literacy and Wellness Support: Help older adults build confidence in using technology, navigating health resources, and staying safe online—all critical skills for independence and well-being.
• Full Support for Libraries: Get access to turnkey onboarding, staff training, marketing templates, and usage reporting, so your team can focus on making an impact.

See GetSetUp in Action

Gale Presents: GetSetUp offers an intuitive, flexible, and comfortable platform to help older adults learn, connect, and thrive.

Platform Highlights:

• Personalized Class Dashboard: Patrons can easily view their upcoming classes, adjust their schedule, and access recordings of past sessions. 
• Topic-Based Discovery: Participants can browse classes by category, including fitness, cooking, and tech.
• Community Features: Users can connect with fellow learners in multiple community pages, from drop-in groups to event social hours.
• Multilingual Access: Classes are available in English, Hindi, Mandarin, and Spanish.
• Digital Assistant: A built-in digital assistant named Helen guides users to content and support.

Why Invest in Public Library Programs for Older Adults?

“Large populations of older adults may shape the direction of collections, programs, and services.” —ALA Center for the Future of Libraries¹

As the aging population continues to grow, public libraries are seeing increased demand for relevant, accessible programming that serves adults aged 55+. The numbers speak for themselves:

• The 65+ population is expected to double by 2060²
• 91% of adults 50+ use smartphones, but many still need support³
• Libraries engaging older adults create loyal visitors and advocates⁴

Gale Presents: GetSetUp isn’t just another digital resource—it’s a community-building tool that bridges the digital divide and helps older adults live fuller lives.

In addition to encouraging older adults to engage with GetSetUp independently, your library can leverage the platform for in-person library programming. Make your library’s events calendar more appealing for your aging community with no extra staff prep, tech skills, or materials required. Simply stream a live or recorded GetSetUp class in a meeting room and invite patrons to join and learn together. 

Hear from GetSetUp Users 

“The LaVerne library is one of my best friends, and they sent me the information about GetSetUp. When I saw all these classes, I was excited to learn how to use technology. Because of my physical situation, most of my work is done online, and I have a lot to learn about technology.” —Diane from California

“Some people love taking live classes, but for me, I like having the option to watch replays … I’m never sure if I’m in the mood for a [live] class, and I don’t like canceling, so having on-demand content is perfect.” —Joe from Vermont

Ready to Empower Older Adults in Your Library?

Gale Presents: GetSetUp is available to public libraries starting May 1, 2025. Connect with your Gale rep to learn more or schedule an interactive demo.

Notes:
¹“Aging Advances,” Center for the Future of Libraries, American Library Association.

² Jonathan Vespa, Lauren Medina, and David M. Armstrong, “Demographic Turning Points for the United States: Population Projections for 2020 to 2060,” United States Census Bureau, February 2020.

³ Brittne Kakulla, “Older Adults Keep Pace on Tech Usage,” AARP.org, January 2020.

⁴ Melinda Rietkerk, “Best Practices for Engaging Seniors at the Library,” Public Libraries Online, December 2024.