The Danville Public Library continues to make strides in inclusivity with its new sensory corner, creating a welcoming environment for children with sensory needs.
With the help of the Halloran Family Foundation and Sawlgud, Inc., the library’s sensory corner can meet the needs of its youngest patrons. In addition, library staff members have completed specialized training through KultureCity to learn more about sensory needs and how to respond to those needs.
The certification process entailed the staff at the library being trained by leading medical and neurodivergent professionals on how to recognize guests with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation.
“As I sat in a recent workshop, I learned something that deeply resonated with me: the high number of children who face the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs),” said Brittney Ziegler, children’s specialist at the library. “This was an eye-opening moment, and it got me thinking about what we, as a library, could do to better serve children who are dealing with the effects of trauma, stress, or sensory processing challenges.
“When I asked the workshop instructor what libraries could do to support these children, she offered simple yet profound advice: provide the setting. I realized that our library could be a safe space, a place where children could find comfort, support, and the opportunity to engage with their surroundings in a way that works for them.”
Ziegler began researching how to provide opportunities to children with sensory needs.
“I discovered KultureCity, an organization dedicated to making public spaces more inclusive by offering sensory certification,” she said. “This organization is passionate about helping libraries and other public spaces become sensory-friendly. They provide valuable training to staff on how to recognize and accommodate the needs of individuals who may require sensory support—whether due to sensory processing needs, PTSD, or general stress.”
“KultureCity sent bags that have all of your sensory inclusive needs in them,” said Brooke Truscelli, the library’s director of communications. “There are noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, even sunglasses for if the lights are too bright. The bags can be checked out to be used in the library.”
Patrons can also find verbal cue cards to assist in communicating their needs and weighted lap pads available at the library to help those who may feel overwhelmed by the environment.
“In the children’s area, there are different signs on the wall to help to regulate things like breathing and to help children calm down or focus,” Truscelli said. “We also have mats on the floor that connect that have different textures and designs. (Children) like the feel of it. They like playing with the patterns.”
Truscelli said the library staff’s favorite addition is a bubble tower found in the corner of the children’s wing.
“It lights up and gradually changes colors, and the bubbles float up and down,” she said. It’s really calming to watch.”
She said the sensory corner is rather popular with the library’s patrons.
Throughout the library, visitors can find new signage to direct them to quiet areas, Truscelli said. KultureCity also provides the library with an app for patrons to use.
“With the app, families are able to see what the space looks like and what they can expect when they come here,” she said.
The library learned about the KultureCity through the Indianapolis Zoo in Indiana. The zoo provides areas for those with sensory needs so that they can enjoy the zoo.
According to a news release from KultureCity, “Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD, and other similar conditions; age is no factor in this. Individuals might become overwhelmed from the crowds, lights, sounds, smells, or other external stimuli at Danville Public Library. With its new certification, the Danville Public Library is now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when attending any event at the (library).
“Empowering communities through inclusion and innovation, Danville Public Library is aligned with the same visionary spirit as KultureCity and is championing a world where every individual, regardless of ability, is not just accepted but celebrated for their unique contributions to the tapestry of humanity,” Uma Srivastava, executive director of KultureCity.