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
Hi Kiana,
Thanks for your post. I thought your mention about sensory rooms being beneficial for folks with brain injuries or dementia in addition to neurodivergent folks was interesting. It always strikes me how accessibility for one group can turn out to benefit many others outside that group too. Thanks for your insight!
Kiana,
These sensory spaces look so cool, and they look different from other ones I’ve seen! I particularly like the use of light in a couple that you shared. They look stimulating and relaxing at the same time.
Kiana – I so appreciate all these amazing examples!