Indulge Your Senses: Creating Sensory Spaces in Libraries

Let’s challenge the status quo of library spaces, and dream about future spaces together. Come find out all the glorious details about why sensory spaces are the next big wave in libraries. We all learn differently and prefer different types of environments. Sensory spaces offer unique study and relaxation spaces in libraries, that help support neurodiversity, inclusivity, and accessibility by offering a range of sensory experiences. Some are high sensory environments, with a flood of colors, patterns, fidget toys, and tactile elements. Some are low sensory environments for people who prefer limited distractions, often with a muted color pallet and a minimalist aesthetic. We will cover why these spaces are beneficial, how they support different types of library users, and how to pitch the idea at your library. We’ll see an example of sensory spaces at the MSU Library, and hear from attendees who have sensory spaces in their own libraries. Then we will break out into groups, or individually, to create digital mood-boards (using Padlet) for high sensory, and/or low sensory spaces, before sharing all the sparkling ideas with the group. We will think big, and also brainstorm elements that could be pulled together on a limited, or zero-dollar budget. Walk away prepared to successfully advocate for new sensory spaces to library leadership, with specific ideas you can implement at our library.

1. Indulge your senses: Creating sensory spaces in libraries Jacqueline L. Frank

2. Your Presenter Jacqueline L. Frank Instruction & Accessibility Librarian [email protected]

3. Outline: What are sensory spaces? Why are they important? Case Study: Implementing two sensory spaces at Montana State University Why two? The process: proposal > implement > feedback Overview of each space Tips, Takeaways, & Resources Proposal template & Mood board

4. Section 1: What & WHy

5. Who has a sensory space at their library? ? 5

6. What are sensory spaces? ? 6

7. Sensory spaces offer a place for “students to experience a range of sensory stimuli and allow the individual to reduce stress and relax... Multisensory environments are spaces that allow users to experience different variations of sensory input and have some control over the input they receive.” 7 . ” https://www.uwstout.edu/about-us/news-center/new-sensory-space-offers-quiet-room-experience-stimuli-relaxation “

8. What are Sensory Spaces: Spaces that offer a range of stimuli, so users can choose what works best for them Sensory stimulating spaces: high sensory spaces with color, texture, fidgets and activities, lighting options, floor time Sensory avoidant spaces: low sensory spaces to limit visual and noise distraction, subdued lighting options

9. Why are sensory spaces important? ? 9

10. Why they are important: Promote relaxation and self regulation Support neurodiversity and offer focused support Benefit all users seeking varied spaces Accommodate diverse needs while also sending a message of inclusiveness Aligns with the library's mission to create welcoming and accessible environments for all

11. Section 2: Case study

12. Implementing two sensory spaces at MSU: Most universities have implemented just one high sensory room MSU Prototyped both Sensory stimulating space: with color, texture, fidgets, games, activities, lighting options, rug for floor time Sensory avoidant, individual spaces to limit visual and noise distraction, subdued lighting options

13. Why Two? Different people need different things Control

14. Why Two? We also had spaces that could easily be utilized to offer these two different options, without removing spaces that are currently being used for other purposes. We enhanced the spaces aesthetically to provide different sensory experiences, while still providing the same amount of student study space in the library.

15. The process (Sensory seeking space first; ~$1500 budget) (Prototyped sensory avoidant spaces, $0 budget)

16. The Timeline Summer 2023 We thought we’d be done here… think again! Research & Proposal Decided to propose two types of spaces Fall 2023 Approval to implement sensory seeking space (~$1500 budget for new items) Winter 2023 Approval to *prototype sensory avoidant spaces & gather feedback ($0 budget for initial prototype) Spring 2024 Revise proposal for sensory avoidant spaces, with feedback, budget & wish list Eventually Purchase and implement new sensory avoidant spaces

17. Sensory Seeking Space before & after Sensory Seeking Space Before After

18. Sensory Seeking Space Location : not fully enclosed, on 1st floor, not a quiet floor Aesthetic theme: Blue & Gold, wood, colorful & patterns Existing furniture & items, repurposed : Low chairs & low-height table Bobble-stools Bookshelf from surplus Board games relocated to this space Chalk board Plants Tall, curved, multi-level stool seating, to help create a space barrier After

19. Sensory Seeking Space , cont. After Location : not fully enclosed, on 1st floor, not a quiet floor Aesthetic theme : Blue & Gold, wood, colorful & patterns Donated : Fidget toys Baskets to organize items Multi-colored ‘Medusa’ floor lamp Legos, baseplates Additional items purchased (~$1,500): Sensory wall ($900) Rug ($300) Lap Desk ($100) Art supplies Games Disinfecting wipes

20. More Photos

21. Feedback from Comment box: 21 “ This sensory thing is cool as biscuits” (undergrad)   “Super cool space. Floor cushions?” (undergrad)   “Me and the homies love it. Honestly what we need out of a library” (undergrad) “How thoughtful of you to create this space. I won’t every consider/see libraries as “a place with books for studying/reading” again. This library opens many portals and this space, it’s another place itself. How beautiful this is!” (grad)  “I love this space—Rose told me about it (shoutout). This is such a great spot to be a kid and find some play but still be productive. Thank you!” (undergrad) 

22. Anecdotal Observations 22 1 person at a time Used coloring sheets Lego creations Chalk board additions

23. Sensory Avoidant Spaces Before After (round1)

24. Sensory Avoidant Spaces , cont. After (round1) Location : 4th floor, quiet floor, near skylight for natural light Multiple, individual spaces Aesthetic theme : Blue & neutral, avoid patterns Existing furniture & items, repurposed : Blue comfy chairs Blue privacy screens and room dividers Small tables Privacy screens Coloring sheets Additional items requested for purchase: Floor lamps Artwork Plants Room dividers

25. If your library has a sensory space, what feedback have you received? ? 25

26. Section 3: Tips, Takeaways & Resources

27. Tips & Takeaways It will take longer than you think (most likely) Prioritize items for purchase Propose a range of budget items Use room dividers to help create a space Get creative with what you can re-purpose Ask for donations Add a feedback box for suggestions & comments

28. If your library has a sensory space, do you have other tips to share? ? 28

29. Resources: Proposal Template (provided) What & why Location Aesthetic theme Repurposed items Budget & wish list of items to purchase Space for mood board

30. Questions ? ? 30

31. Your turn: Proposal Template Use the proposal template to brainstorm who/what/where/when/why/how you would do this in your own library: bit.ly/SensorySpaceProposal Get Crafty: Create a Mood Board Cut & paste the OG way to gather inspiration for colors, furniture, lighting, artwork, plants, rugs, décor, etc. to add to your proposal

32. References: “Come Chill Out at the Library: Creating Soothing Spaces for Neurodiverse Students” from Susquehanna University “Creating a Sensory Room to Support Neurodiversity” from East Carolina University “Adelphi Updates Innovative Sensory Room for Neurodivergent Students for In-Person Fall Semester” from Adelphi University “New Sensory Space offers quiet room to experience stimuli, relaxation” from UW-Stout “A Space for Everyone” from University of Minnesota Duluth “Relaxation room helps WCU students alleviate stress as they prepare for final exams this week” from West Chester University ?

33. Thank you! Jacqueline L. Frank Instruction & Accessibility Librarian [email protected]

34. Creative Commons License Please attribute Jacqueline L. Frank with a link to the original presentation . Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed under https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/ Creative Commons and the double C in a circle are registered trademarks of Creative Commons in the United States and other countries. Third party marks and brands are the property of their respective holders.