Groups of adults with adaptive needs frequently use the library, and some groups volunteer in the building. However, most individuals do not engage with library staff or show interest in finding materials to read or borrow. The quality of interaction provided by the group caregivers was inconsistent, and unfortunately some of the vulnerable adults were not enjoying their time in the library. We wanted them to have a positive experience, get to know staff, and discover what interested them in the library. We began offering a monthly Library Unlimited program for these adults and their caregivers so they would be welcomed as library users in a way that honored their presence and met their needs.

• Engage: Adults with adaptive needs choose from a variety of activities the ones that are best aligned with their intellectual, social, and ambulatory abilities
• Connect: Staff make personal connections during the program
• Build Interest: They get personalized help finding items they enjoy

The one-hour, monthly program is planned around a theme such as holidays, STEAM, Dance Party, Super Heroes, or Pets. A short power point presentation is used to open the program with a welcome slide, a simple outline for the day and then a themed voting game such as ‘this or that’ or ‘guess how many’. Next a staff member reads a digital book which is projected on the screen. Finding the right title is the most challenging part of the program because the interest and ability levels are so varied. Generally, an upper elementary nonfiction children’s book works best. Then they go the activity centers that meet their needs and abilities or go with a staff member to the stacks to find materials they want. The following themed activity centers have been particularly successful:

• Designated large space (to accommodate wheelchairs) as a dance floor
• Crepe paper ‘laser’ obstacle course (accommodated wheelchairs)
• Holiday cards
• Meet therapy dogs
• Pop up ‘living room' reading area

A 33% surge in average attendance was due to communication with day groups and residential programs. We also created quarter sheet flyers that staff members use to invite groups that they see in the building. Being invited to a program communicates that they are welcome here and we look forward to having them come back. Although we have not been able to get photo releases from legal guardians of adults in this vulnerable population, caregivers and library staff see delight on faces when participants create a piece of art, dance with a new friend, or find a shelf of books about a favorite topic. Many of the program participants are now engaged library customers that we know by first name. One woman who attends even wrote a letter asking for changes in the restroom sinks so she could use them easily from her wheelchair. An impact story that sums up all others happened after a music themed day when a very happy participant said to the Adult Librarian, "Can we be friends now?"