The Martin County Library System’s new three-year strategic plan includes learning more about neurodivergent populations and developing sensory inclusive services.
The sensory bags, available for use inside the library, contain tools to help reduce or alleviate stressors for patrons who visit. Designed for the needs of autistic patrons or those with post-traumatic stress or sensory processing conditions, these bags contain earmuffs for noise reduction, a weighted lap blanket, communication cards, and several fidget tools.
The Friends of the Martin County Library System, Inc. provided the funds and the bags were created by neurodivergent staff. Deputy Library Director, Richard Reilly says, “Our libraries are doing an excellent job welcoming our residents and this includes people with a variety of sensory needs. These bags will not only help alleviate stress, but they will also allow us to connect with people to talk more broadly about library materials and services they might need.” Each location has at least one bag that can be used inside the library for a three-hour checkout.
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