Mapping the Landscape of Aging

Libraries

Libraries are the source of books, magazines, videos, tapes, public internet access and often just simple social outings. Libraries represent an important quality of life dimension in the lives of seniors.

The Jefferson-Madison Regional Library web site was used to locate library branch locations in the Thomas Jefferson Planning District in order to determine if these facilities were located conveniently and accessibly to the aging population. Additional libraries, which are not operated by the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library, may be present in the region.

Travel time to Libraries

 

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The map above positions the libraries in the Thomas Jefferson Planning District and shows the average time required to travel by automobile to the nearest library. These travel times to the nearest libraries are only approximate. Because the map only displays libraries located in the Thomas Jefferson Planning District, it does not account for facilities outside of the district. For example, people residing in Gum Spring may not have to travel over an hour to the nearest hospital, as they may frequent a facility outside of the planning district.

Total Time for all Persons 65 Years or Older to Travel to the Nearest Library for Each Census Block

 

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The map above positions the libraries in the Thomas Jefferson Planning District, and shows the total time for all persons 65 years of age or older required to travel to the nearest library for each census block. Additional libraries, which are not operated by the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library system, may be present in the region. Therefore, the total time required to travel to the nearest library is only approximate. Because the map only displays library located in the Thomas Jefferson Planning District, it does not account for people outside of the district. For example, people residing in Gum Spring may not have to travel the amount of time depicted by the map, as they may utilize a library outside of the planning district.

 

 

METHODS: The Charlottesville local telephone directory and other web-based sources were used to locate Libraries in the Thomas Jefferson Planning District. Road way speeds were used to generate the travel time to access the nearest facility.The average travel time for each census block was computed and multiplied by either the number of persons 65 and older or the total population to get the aggregate travel time for those two respective groups. This is mapped for each census block. Using the posted speed may lead to slight differences in actual travel time accessibilities. Additional facilities not listed in the local telephone directory and other web based sources, may be present in the region.