The Germantown Public Library has received a $10,000 grant from an American Library Association initiative that provides community engagement and accessibility resources to small and rural libraries to help them better serve people with disabilities.

The library has created a sensory space in the children’s area that features touch sensory lights, ergonomic seating, sensory panels and a new STEAM train for educational sensory experience.

Library sensory spaces are specialized, calming, and inclusive areas designed to reduce overstimulation and provide, or regulate, sensory input for neurodivergent patrons, children, and families.

The Library also holds Sensory Storytime on the last Saturday of the month, with sensory stations and a sensory forward book.

Community members can also check out sensory backpacks themed around neurodiversity. Examples include an international food bag with a cookbook for the family. The Germantown Historical Society has donated items for a walk through Germantown bag that shows the historic buildings in town with a tour map. Other fun backpacks include a dinosaur build and National Parks theme. The Library received support from the Autism Society of Dayton for the initial backpacks.

For adults, the Library has a community puzzle table geared toward helping seniors stay sharp.

Contact the library to learn more about their sensory-friendly programs.

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