HOUSTON, TX – The opening of the library at Eagle’s Trace on January 24 was marked by a smashing celebration that attracted around 200 of the 350 people who currently live at the community. After enjoying wine and a tasty buffet, residents and staff acquainted themselves with all the services the library offers – about 4,000 hard-cover books on a wide variety of topics, a generous collection of audio materials, a computer and printer, a copy machine, a television set for playing VHS tapes and DVDs (with headphones), a fine selection of periodicals, and a demo station for the talking books program. In addition, approximately 400 paperback books are provided in the Audubon Clubhouse living room and a carousel in the residential area. All books are properly catalogued and labeled; many boast plastic covers.

“Throughout nine months of intensive work by the library committee, we were supported by many staff members and, sometimes, overwhelmed by the number of books residents donated,” said Donna Craig, who lives at Eagle’s Trace and helped start-up the new library. “Our intent was to provide as professional a library as possible and, judging from the comments by the crowd, we succeeded.”

Eagle’s Trace and other communities developed and managed by Erickson Retirement Communities are noted for offering programs, services, and a general lifestyle that help people stay vibrant, active, and healthy longer than they would living in their homes. The on-campus libraries contribute to the overall “good health environment” found at Erickson campuses. Along with the on-site computer labs and classrooms where college-level classes are offered, the libraries help to encourage learning and mental exercise.