Public

Creating sensory-friendly spaces and places can help your public library achieve its mission of offering equitable access and serving as community hubs for everyone.

Why are public libraries logical locations for sensory rooms?

•  They are free and open to the public, allowing access to anyone in need of sensory relief.  

• Public libraries often have partnerships with community groups that have the potential to foster sensory social justice. 

• They have traditionally offered quiet spaces that provided a stable refuge for the senses, allowing people to process information from books and periodicals efficiently.  Scholars like Ludovico (2024) have noted that reading books in itself is a multisensory experience.  In this vein, many patrons note that they find the scent of books to be calming according to research by Peterson (2023).  

Public librarians are building on these sensory-friendly features as they design even more neuroinclusive, sensory-friendly spaces and programs.  At Durham County Library Jamsky and Alverson (2024) collaborated with individuals with autism, caregivers, parents, and groups to design sensory areas.  Many public libraries are offering sensory storytimes tailored to the needs of neurodivergent children (Moynihan and Clarke, 2022).  Our Sensory-Friendly Libraries Discussion Group also created a collage of sensory projects during one ofour meetings that includes many amazing ideas from public libraries on enhancing the sensory elements in our spaces, ranging from traveling sensory kits, to neuroinclusive art and Lego classes, to magical Tovertafel tables.

Join the ranks of public libraries becoming sensory and wellness centers of their communities!  Check out out the profiles on the left sidebar for ideas!

References:

Jamsky, J., & Alverson, S. (2024). Multi-sensory environments and inclusive sensory engagement at Durham County Library. North Carolina Libraries, 82(1). https://ncl.ecu.edu/index.php/NCL/article/download/5435/4998 

Moynihan, B., & Clarke, S. (2022). Online content analysis of Ontario public libraries’ sensory programming and service offerings. Emerging Library & Information Perspectives, 5(1). https://ojs.lib.uwo.ca/index.php/elip/article/download/14542/11740

Peterson, M. (2023). Libraries as felt spaces: Atmospheres, public space and feelings of dis/comfort. Emotion, Space and Society, 49, 100986.  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S175545862300049X

Stormont, M., Cahill, M., Long, B. S., Adkins, D., Long, A. K., Daskalakes, D. T., ... & Russell, C. (2024). Libraries: Spaces for belonging, support, and partnerships. Young Exceptional Children, 27(2), 78-88.