Wendy Pender centers her column around the importance of library services in the King County region and beyond. She feels that her life purpose is to connect people to the resources they need to lead happier, healthier lives. In her position as the King County Library System’s Older Adults Program Coordinator, Wendy shares information about local libraries and works to expand library programs that support older adults.

Wendy received a master’s degree in library science from the University of Pittsburgh and also has a certificate in gerontology, the study of aging, from the University of Washington.

She lives in Issaquah and enjoys singing with the Issaquah Singers; she is a big believer in music bringing people together. Wendy and her husband share an interest in motorcycling and met in 2006 after connecting over the passion in the Grand Tetons.

For the past several years, Wendy has presented nationally on libraries and older adults. She just returned from presenting at the American Society on Aging conference in New Orleans with two colleagues from the Denver Public Library.

Wendy says she turns her attention to the positive aspects associated with aging. Her mother, who passed away in 2019 at 103, was a great example of that.

“We have to cultivate the qualities of optimism, curiosity, steadfastness, perseverance and resilience… I hope my columns help people to feel more optimistic and supported as they age.”