Tips to creating a more welcoming and inclusive library space
Libraries play a vital role in fostering inclusivity and accessibility for their communities and staff. There are many ways to design a space and library services that are inclusive to everyone. Here are just a few ideas to get you started: |
Tips from the video are included here: Create sensory-friendly spaces.
Offer a designated quiet zone with soft/natural lighting (not fluorescent lights!).
Have sensory kits on hand.
Offer tools including noise-canceling headphones, fidgets, visual aids, and visors.
Promote neurodivergent-friendly collections.
Market and display specialized resources, alternative formats for different learning styles, or tactile books.
Celebrate neurodiversity!
Create campaigns during Neurodiversity Celebration Week (March 17-23, 2025) and Autism Awareness Month (April) that celebrate neurodivergent authors and promote books on acceptance, inclusion, and neurodivergent themes. Here’s a case study from Bellingham Public Library on celebrating Ability Diversity and Disability Pride. For more on transforming your library with strategies for inclusivity and accessibility, make sure to register for our online Creating Accessible and Neuro-Inclusive Libraries course. Live sessions take place Wednesdays, March 19 & 26, with on-demand viewing available afterwards. Early bird rates end on January 29! |
Creating Accessible and Neuro-Inclusive Libraries 2 Week Online Course + Workshop | Starts March 19 |
Whether you're taking a course with a couple of colleagues or signing up your whole team, registering as a group of 3 or more is the best way to save on courses. Discounts start at 10%, and the larger the group, the greater the discount! |
Library Journal’s bulk course credit program is flexible, easy to manage, and offers 25% off our lowest price for every course seat booked for a full year! Set aside a portion of your budget and allocate seats to staff as needs arise. |
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