Though libraries are typically quiet spaces, they aren’t always the most sensory friendly spots for people with special needs, according to Elle Kisiday, an occupational therapist at nonprofit Achieving True Self.
Now, though, visitors might find the New Kensington and Lower Burrell People’s Libraries a bit more serene following the installation of sensory spaces meant to boost accessibility for neurodivergent individuals.
The spaces are equipped with soft seating, light and water features, weighted lap pads, headphones, fidget toys and wiggle cushions that help with focus.
“All those things provide calming sensory input to individuals,” Kisiday said.
Curbing over stimulation can help neurodivergent or special needs patrons with participation in library activities, she said.
Peoples Library Director David Hrivnak said the rooms make the library more inclusive.
“We’re always trying to be as accessible to our patrons as possible,” Hrivnak said.
The Peoples Library locations were two of eight libraries across the county to get sensory spaces as part of a collaboration between Achieving True Self and the Westmoreland County Department of Human Services.
The county DHS funded the project.
An additional 14 libraries were equipped with mobile sensory carts that have many of the same items as the designated spaces.
As part of the project, library staffs from across the county also attended training on how to better accommodate special needs patrons and identify some of the barriers are that might keep them from the library.
“We talked about the biases people can have about social norms and expectations when someone goes to the library,” Kisiday said.
She said libraries can be overwhelming, especially for people who stim or naturally talk louder, because of the social expectation of quietness. Stimming is a self-soothing practice often associated with repeated physical movements or vocalizations.
Libraries, she said, can also be overwhelming because of the large amount of visual input from the walls of books and because of background noise that is heightened due to the quiet atmosphere.
The project’s goal was to make libraries more accessible, especially for young adults, Kisiday said.
“I want them to feel comfortable and welcome in the community,” she said.
The New Kensington library has a closed-off sensory room that opened about two months ago.
Hrivnak said it has already been getting some use.
In Lower Burrell, the location is in a designated corner and opened about two weeks ago.
Though the spaces were built with neurodivergent people in mind, they are open for public use, Hrivnak said.
“Anyone is welcome to relax,” he said.