People are often surprised when they hear Carol Woods does not employ an activities director. We never have. Our residents prefer to plan activities that reflect their interests. With more than 50 resident committees, there are plenty of places for people to get involved. Often, as residents take ownership of community life, they find it hard to draw a line between pursuing their hobbies and serving their peers.

The library committee is a good example. What happens when you gettogether a committee of 50 former librarians and book lovers who are passionate about making reading materials and media accessible to their peers?

You get a library with more than 6,500 volumes that is open 24 hours per day, seven days a week, with satellite libraries in all the central apartment buildings, assisted living and the Health Center.

Other activities include a weekly on-campus concert series and a Thursday night lecture series. Some residents volunteer their time with a child at Carol Woods' Children's Center. Residents organize day and overnight trips, and plan a variety of parties and other social gatherings throughout the year. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Duke also holds at least one course per semester on Carol Woods’ campus.

Residents also participate in educational and cultural activities beyond Carol Woods. Being located three and a half miles from UNC, and ten miles from Duke University gives residents the opportunity to audit classes, attend symphonies or sports events, and take advantage of the myriad of other opportunities available in these University towns. Many residents also volunteer in town at a local hospital or through organizations such as Habitat for Humanity.