Month: November 2024

Learning is a lifelong journey, and for neurodivergent individuals, sensory-rich, interactive environments are especially vital in cultivating that natural learning. Popular among children aged 0 to 12,  library sensory spaces  encourage children to actively explore their curiosity by engaging with their environment through their senses of sight, sound, touch, and movement (Cooper, 2020).

Sourced from Public Libraries Connect (2020).

I can’t imagine how grueling it must be for neurodivergent children to visit their local library, faced with an endless selection of books, surrounded by aisles of cold, metallic shelves in a dead silent library space, all the while required to use your indoor voice at all times. The whole ordeal can be a nightmare for children with sensory processing disorders and their parents. Thus, it’s essential for libraries nationwide to address and accommodate the specific needs of this population to ensure and maintain inclusivity for everyone in their community.

Image generated using Canva from the prompt anxious child with sensory challenges navigating the library.

As spaces that encourage both quiet meditation and sensory exploration, many rooms are designed with equipment that appeal to all. In addition to kid-friendly play materials, like bubble tubes, gel tiles, weighted blankets, and cozy seating, these spaces can also benefit individuals recovering from strokes or traumatic brain injuries, as well as those with dementia (Fun & Function, n.d.).

Sourced from Hartford County Public Library (n.d.).

Multi-Sensory Room. Sourced from Neuse Regional library (n.d.).

Sensory spaces aren’t limited to public libraries though; even university libraries, like those at Penn State, offer neurodiverse students with sensory impairments access to at least three sensory rooms across the University Park campus. These multi-sensory environments are designed to alleviate the overwhelming amount of stress and anxiety many students bear by providing a calming and relaxing atmosphere for them to experience through gentle sensory cues. With only 39% of students with autism graduating from college compared to 52% of the general student population, the need for sensory spaces within university libraries is even greater for students who often face prejudice and stigma (University Libraries, n.d.).

Penn State Berks. Sourced from Sensory-Friendly Libraries (n.d.).

References

Cooper, D. (2020, February 17). Check out Marsden Library’s Sensory Space! Public Libraries Connect. https://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/check-out-marsden-librarys-sensory-space

Fun & Function. (n.d.). Library sensory rooms. https://funandfunction.com/blog/library-sensory-rooms?srsltid=AfmBOorLWSJ083ylHNQAtoI9b_oVbpUF7sVhz6Nxc2wHxyFpZUjEnJt9

Smith, C. (2022, September 1). Good vibrations: Libraries supply sensory spaces. American Libraries. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2022/09/01/good-vibrations/

University Libraries. (2023, October 27). Libraries piloting sensory rooms as supportive spaces for neurodiverse students. The Pennsylvania State University. https://www.psu.edu/news/university-libraries/story/libraries-piloting-sensory-rooms-supportive-spaces-neurodiverse-students

I can’t believe I had never heard of the Human Library before this module; but, I absolutely love the idea and all the courageous people who participate in these events as both ‘books’ and ‘readers.’ Everybody has a personal story to tell, whether big or small or long or short; and there are many who simply want to listen and expand their perspective. It truly is a win-win situation for everyone. Libraries worldwide, particularly those in cities serving larger communities, should organize events like these for their patrons to actively engage in meaningful conversations aiming to challenge general assumptions, stereotypes, and biases that reduce others’ entire lived experiences to a few mere prejudices (Ray, 2019).

Sourced from PwC (n.d.).

Sourced from Human Library (2022).

There are many ways people can communicate and share their stories on the internet, such as through social media – notably reddit – but nothing beats the real-life version. Even if we were to assume everybody has pure intentions, some are better at lying or exaggerating their stories for attention and sympathy. But, the chance of that is significantly reduced during face-to-face settings, where anonymity is replaced with personal accountability.

Sourced from In The Loop | Columbia College Chicago (2018).

The Human Library’s long-term efficacy is more than apparent with the many participants’ surprising ability to vividly recall details of the event, in addition to recurring thoughts following months after the event. They were also able to increase their sensitivity to others by realizing that “inclusion goes further than acceptance or non-discrimination – it requires conscious action” (Arne-Skidmore, 2021). That is the precise sentiment our nation needs in order to heal the division tearing us apart.

Sourced from Unsplash (2022).

While this isn’t directly tied to the library profession, it still relates to information science. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend checking out my favorite YouTuber, Peter Santenello, whose content has brought me closer to the raw and personal stories and perspectives of total strangers in a way that no news outlet ever has.

References

Arne-Skidmore, E. (2021, August 4). New study on the impact of the Human Library. Human Library. https://humanlibrary.org/new-study-on-the-impact-of-the-human-library/

Ray, M. (2019, April 12). Courageous conversations at the Human Library. Next Avenue. https://www.nextavenue.org/courageous-conversations-human-library/