THE PFTA Story

Bridging Generations Through the Power of Shared Reading

At its heart, Pages for the Ages is about helping people connect across generations, learn from one another, and strengthen the communities they call home—one conversation at a time.

Pages for the Ages began with a simple question:
What happens when generations read together and truly listen?

The idea emerged through a leadership course at Rollins College, where students explored how literature could bridge generational divides. What started as a conversation quickly evolved into an intergenerational book club that brought college students and senior citizens together around a shared reading experience.

The results were remarkable.

Participants didn't just discuss books.

They shared life experiences, challenged assumptions, exchanged perspectives, and formed meaningful relationships across generations. The conversations revealed something powerful: when people of different ages come together with curiosity and openness, everyone has something to teach and something to learn.

Mission

To deepen understanding and connection across generations through books, conversation, and shared learning.

Vision

A future where generations learn, grow, and thrive together, building compassionate, connected communities through shared learning and collective action to address humanity's greatest needs.

Our Reading Selections

Our reading selections are inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and explore themes such as health and well-being, education, belonging, equity, community resilience, stewardship, and civic engagement. Through literature, media, and conversation, participants gain new perspectives on both global challenges and the role each of us can play in creating positive change.

Past selections have included How to Build the Life You Want by Arthur Brooks and Oprah Winfrey, Educated by Tara Westover, Night by Elie Wiesel, and Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown.

Meet Our Founders

Pages for the Ages was founded on the belief that meaningful conversations across generations can create stronger communities and lifelong learning. Recognizing the potential of the model, co-founders Erin Andress and Stephanie Carmany continued to develop Pages for the Ages through independent study, collaboration with participating students and seniors, and ongoing program refinement. Together, they transformed the original concept into a meaningful and repeatable framework centered on shared learning, thoughtful dialogue, leadership development, and human connection.