Through consultation with community agencies that support children with disabilities, feedback from families directly, and research conducted by TPL's Accessibility Services for Children Work Group, TPL identified the need for specialized spaces to help children with disabilities feel welcome and fully access library services, collections and programs.

An environmental scan across North America identified 18 sensory rooms in libraries, hospitals, schools, healthcare facilities, and community centers. The findings were incorporated into TPL’s design, resulting in a space that can accommodate both single families and small group programming and meet diverse needs with adjustable lighting and equipment.

Specialized equipment to soothe and stimulate senses, including vestibular, proprioceptive, and interoceptive, was selected. Visitors can enjoy high and low-tech sensory features: an image projector, fiber optic carpet, rainbow air tube, somacoustic cushions, balancing and rocking equipment, and other tactile elements. The design reflects the branch’s space theme as well as TPL Children’s branding, connecting it to children’s spaces across the system. The team developed staff training and resources including a service operations manual, equipment tip sheets with key messaging to visitors, a training video and on-site orientation session.

Overall, 86% of respondents report being satisfied or very satisfied with the space. Users report the room provides a sense of calm and comfort, supports self-regulation, provides sensory stimulation, and increases their sense of joy, engagement, and delight. Testimonials indicate that the Sensory Room has made a deep impact on the community by making the library more inclusive and accessible for kids with sensory processing needs, while also raising community awareness:

“It’s such a cool space to explore & calm down in. I love that [the library] has created an environment with sensory differences in mind. It also opens the conversation up for me to discuss this with my kids for when they meet classmates with autism in future.”

The pilot has informed cost projections and provided insights into the design of future small, medium and large spaces at TPL.