Below you will find my ‘Innovation Strategy & Roadmap’ plan for the Dover Public Library. I was inspired by my past as a teacher and my current work environment today. When I taught, I had a ‘calming corner’ and it was honestly the best part about my classroom. Students felt safe and confident when they went to the corner and when they left it. They understood the rules and expectations and used it as it was intended. I believe that incorporating designated spaces for children and adults who have sensory input difficulties is just best practice in todays world. See my presentation below!
Dover Public Library – Innovation Strategy & Roadmap – Sensory Spaces & Zones
@crlhayd I think this is a great idea, as I am an anxious person and understand needing a place to calm down or “reboot” sometimes. I don’t know if this counts, but when I went to SCAD in Atlanta, they had these “nap pods” that I would use frequently (https://www.bschk.com/project_scad/) – where you could lay back all the way and close the pod. The pods would have really good sound barriers to block out noise, and even an option to turn on different colored lights inside, or even a place to plug your phone in to play light music inside. I would get overwhelmed sometimes and just lay inside of one of those, and I feel like super energized and alive again afterwards.
Loved reading your Innovation Strategy & Roadmap. When I visit the Library myself, I am always seeking for the most quiet and private place to relax and study so this would be the perfect space for me to unwind. I work at Disneyland and this also reminds me of the new quiet Cast Member spaces they are creating backstage for the cast to relax and get away from the noise that I am very appreciative of.
@crlhayd I love this service! In my current position, I’m working more often with analyzing things through a DEI lens and I’ve come to notice that I’m not doing enough reflection on disability needs. It’s so easy to look over but as I’m working alongside disabled coworkers, it’s been very eye opening to learn from them. Your roadmap is a great example of simples steps that libraries can take to be more inclusive.
@crlhayd Sensory zones are a great idea. Funnily enough, your roadmap made me think of an art installation I once saw in NYC that was a different type of “sensory zone”. LaMonte Young’s Dreamhouse is a continuous sound environment with sine wave drones that never stop playing! It’s a highly controlled environment that changes sensory perception and even invites a kind of meditative experience. I’m not saying that it’s right for a library, but it interesting conceptual art piece that promotes the exploration of controlled sensory environments.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dream_House_(installation)
Cheers!
Arthur