At the Palm Springs Public Library, every story connects us and every voice matters.
Our new intergenerational initiative, Voices Across Generations, brings children from Cahuilla Elementary and local seniors together through the joy of audiobooks and shared learning.

In this innovative program, young readers step into the library’s recording booth to narrate beloved classics, such as Nancy Drew, Anne of Green Gables, and Harry Potter. With guidance from librarians, their recordings are transformed into podcast episodes, featuring editing and sound effects, accessible to seniors across Palm Springs. Library staff also visit senior centers and assisted living facilities to help residents listen, learn, and connect.

The goal? To foster empathy, literacy, and digital confidence while bridging generations through the power of storytelling. For students, it is a chance to build reading fluency, confidence, and community awareness. For seniors, it is an opportunity to hear familiar tales in new voices, sparking joy and reducing social isolation.

As part of the Library’s mission to “provide opportunities to discover, enjoy, enrich, and connect with ideas and people throughout all stages of life,” this program celebrates what public libraries do best: connect people, empower learners, and inspire lifelong learning.

Because when generations listen to one another, stories become bridges, and the library becomes the heart that connects them.

To view the full inspiration roadmap report, click here.