Newsflash! If you are a children’s librarian, then you are a performer. As such, there are things you can do to make your “performances” really special. This post will focus on the most universal of library performances: storytime.
Sensory-enhanced storytime at Douglas County (Colo.) Libraries (DCL) is an inclusive program developed for all ages, children through young adults, who are on the autism spectrum or differently abled, and presented at a preschool level of development. Everyone is welcome at each of our library storytimes, but we began this storytime because some find greater enjoyment in its modified environment of a closed room where lighting and music are lower, movement and conversation are encouraged, and there are multiple ways to engage through the senses. Public libraries offer many programs based on their patrons’ age, abilities, interests, and other factors, and sensory-enhanced storytime at DCL is another expression of our commitment to the American Library Association’s (ALA) Core Values of Librarianship.
Libraries are in the business of providing resources and programming for everyone. Holding programs for children with autism fits perfectly in our model and is a great way to reach out to a population that might not have been served as much in the past.
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