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The Project Library was established to serve chronic, mentally ill patients forty-five years and older by ascertaining their library needs and interests, as well as by developing specific library program formats for people who have been isolated from the community for long periods of time. To do this effectively, various levels of institution staff had to be involved simultaneously and on a regular basis. Furthermore, it became necessary to accept older patients as individuals with specific interests, responses, and attention needs. The books selected for this age group consisted mostly of illustrated non-fiction. In addition, fiction, large type, paperbacks, magazines and newspapers were used. Non-print materials included filmstrips, kits, records, film loops, 8mm and 16mm film, as well as simple games and puzzles. The library became an active place patronized by many older people from the open and closed areas, with most of the materials, print and non-print, in some way utilized by them. A program of library service evolved which offered a variety of activities and choices, thereby appealing to the wide range of individual differences among elderly patients. (Author)