Since she was 14, Janet Slovin has thought of the Boston Public Library as a refuge, a place where everyone can be safe. She grew up in Boston and spent many hours at the Dorchester branch reading and enjoying the quiet. 

It's somehow fitting that now, at the age of 83, Janet finds herself living across the street from the newly renovated Johnson building of the BPL. Her 85-year-old husband, Gil, often stops in the Newsfeed Cafe at the library for coffee and to read the paper.

The Slovins lived in Worcester for 45 years before moving to Exeter Street in 2002. 

"We were very involved in Worcester, " Janet said. "I worked for the city. We brought up our family there. It was hard to leave, but I was ready."

For Gil, who transferred from the Worcester office of a financial firm to the firm's Boston office, it was a bigger adjustment. "I had never been on the T," he said. Despite the challenges, Janet says they were ready for a new chapter.

They sold their house in record speed and shocked their Worcester friends with their quick transition to life in Boston. They made new connections quickly while taking classes at Boston University and Harvard. Gil volunteers at Dana Farber where he says everything gets put into proper perspective. Janet taught ESL at the Boston Public Library. "That was frosting on the cake," she said, "meeting so many new people."

Many of their new friends and acquaintances are much younger than they are, and, the Slovins say, their conversations are invigorating. 

"Being around young people is the key to staying young," said Gil.

The other key is being able to walk around the city — to Fenway Park, Symphony Hall and nearby restaurants. 

Gil and Janet say they make a point of staying involved to avoid living in a bubble. Janet has always been active in Democratic politics, and she once worked for Governor Michael Dukakis. Here in Boston, she attends caucuses and helps immigrants plan for naturalization. Gil volunteers at the Church of the Covenant, serving breakfast to homeless women. 

"You get more than you give when you help people," he said.

They also like to check out libraries in the different cities they visit. "It tells you something about the city, " said Janet.

When I ask how long they've been married, Gil shouted, "62 years!" 

"63," Janet corrected her husband with a smile. 

Their secret to a long lasting marriage? 

"We go out to eat Tuesdays and Thursdays. I go Tuesdays and Janet goes Thursdays," Gil answered with a grin.