Senior citizens make up a large percentage of the reading population that utilizes the Philadelphia Free Library. Now, the library has set aside a space just for them.

And, in order to provide a room - now a space known as Central Senior Services - the Central Library at 1901 Vine St. overhauled an area that had been used to store government publications.

Once a quiet, little-used back room, the library transformed the space into the new, 480-square foot Central Senior Services facility.

It houses specialized services and amenities, all tuned toward the interests of the older adult community.

"The mission of the library is to provide all residents with access to knowledge," said Siobhan A. Reardon, president and director of the library, during an Aug. 26 opening celebration.

Funds for the project were secured through a $143,000 grant from the Christian R. And Mary F. Lindback Foundation - which is to be spread out for three years - and an additional $36,000 grant from the federal Library Services and Technology Act. Using the funds, the Free Library created a space for seniors to relax and read or to learn about computers and health issues.

"We are always looking to see what parts of the population we can serve," said Joe McPeak, associate director of the library system.

McPeak said the library started looking for funding to create the senior space about two years ago after they freed up space in the government document center.

A large portion of government texts were moved to storage since many of those documents are now available online, he said.

"We realized that we have a lot of senior centers in this immediate area," said McPeak of the Central library. "We have a population that's centered here that wants something more"

The library invited residents from local senior living centers, like Atria at 150 N. 20th St., to complete surveys gauging what reading materials, presentations and other information the older adult community might prefer in a special place at the library.

Using these surveys, the library fit the space with five computers, large print newspapers, and books on everything from cooking to travel to health and legal issues.

The space features a wide-open reading area with seats near the large windows looking out into the Swann Fountain in Logan Circle.

The space's computers allow older adult library patrons to access the Internet and email.

The library also set aside times for featured presentations at the space where selected speakers will discuss issues pertaining to older adults.

The first presentation to be held in the new space will be "Live to 100!," the first in a four-part series on health. It will be held Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 11 a.m.

"Older adults want their own space. This is all about community," said Reardon as she toured the large room, which featured towering bookshelves stacked nearly to the ceiling with books of all sizes.

"We're trying to improve the quality of life for older adults," she said.

Seniors from Atria, who were on hand during the event, seemed to be excited about the new area.

"For the library to provide services to people like us, it's just great," said Lillian Bernstien, a resident of Atria. "I think it's a great idea."

As she walked the room, with a little assistance from a walker, Atria resident Barbara Clay recalled her years as a volunteer in the library.

She said that the new senior space was exciting because her eyesight had deteriorated with age and one of the great joys of her youth was to come and volunteer at the library and read.

While she might not be spry enough to volunteer, she said, she is looking forward to being able to sit, relax and read in the new space.

"I love to read, anything that helps make my mind work," she said. "I'm glad this is here. They bussed us down today and I think we will use (the new senior space) a lot. Many of us can walk down whenever we want."

The new senior space will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Reporter Hayden Mitman can be reached at 215-354-3124 or hmitman@phillynews.com

Events at the new Central Senior Services

Central Senior Services will host the first of a four part series focusing on health for seniors. The presentation "Live to be 100!" will be presented by members of the Drexel University School of Public Health and will take place in Central Senior Services on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 11 a.m. Additional presentations will follow on a weekly basis. For more information call 215-686-5331.