A Gerber Foundation grant creates sensory room at WCCL By Ken DeLaat “If they can't learn the way we teach, we teach the way they learn”- O. Ivar Lovaas The White Cloud Library has been putting out some sweet programming of late with some innovative initiatives designed to appeal to a wider range of patrons. One such program is the addition of a sensory room. Youth Services Librarian Katie Hanson had heard about sensory rooms in schools from a friend who taught kids with learning disabilities. A room with relaxing light, tactile objects to feel and other amenities aimed at providing a comforting atmosphere. “We’re a public library and we’re here for all the public,” Hanson explained. “For some the library may be over-stimulating so the sensory room helps eliminate distractions and provides access for more people to use our facility.” She received a grant from the Gerber Foundation to go ahead with the project and contacted the Newaygo County Autism Community for input before moving forward. Now on most Tuesdays (“we have limited space in our building”) the room is available for those in need to visit and enjoy the new offering from the library. She explained it was Most Tuesdays because the room also serves as the meeting room for the library and on occasion a meeting scheduled might bump the sensory room. Side note: For years White Cloud has been in need of a new building having outgrown their needs long ago. Such institutions reflect the pride of the community and the value residents place on knowledge. It is hoped the community can get behind the WCCL’s desire to build a new structure that will serve their current needs and allow them to further expand their programming. We posed a few questions to Ms. Hanson. Why is this room important? This room is important because not only is it an inclusive program, but it’s something that shows our community what else a library provides besides just books. Do you do any organized activities like storytelling? If so, how does it differ from other storytelling events? I have storytimes that vary month to month. For one program, kids created their own tall tale about White Cloud, and for another they searched with blacklight flashlights for words written in invisible ink! There’s a variety to all of our programs. This summer, I hope kids will take part in our Board Game Days and Epic Comic Club, so that they might become monthly programs as well. Beyond those who use it, what are the benefits to the community? I think just having the sensory room set up, with the meeting room door open, gets patrons peeking in and asking questions. And if they ask the right questions, they can find out about all the cool programs we offer- not just for children, but adults too! Anything you may want to add? Yes. I would love for kids to sign up for the summer reading program starting June 5th! Kids read 15 to 20 minutes a day over the summer and win prizes. It’s that simple! Also, I would like everyone reading this to check out our website at whitecloudlibrary.net for more information about our events and services. Support your local library! On the day we visited the room was in use with some younger children enjoying activities in what is clearly a calming ambiance.
Kathy Broome is a member of the NC Autism Community who has used the room with her daughter. “As the rates of Autism Spectrum Disorder continue to increase, it’s great to see our community respond, “she stated. “ Kudos to the White Cloud Community Library for providing a sensory-friendly space. And we agree with the sentiments of Ms. Broome. Kudos to the leadership and staff of the WCCL for their efforts in making this happen. They are to be commended for the effort to increase access to the library and make all who enter feel welcome. And seriously, I hope the sensory room finds a home in a new facility that doesn’t need to share space with a meeting room. Just saying...
3 Comments
Kathryn Hanson
6/3/2023 03:23:04 pm
Awesome
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Joanne Chandler
6/5/2023 06:29:08 am
As a long time user of the library, it’s so nice to see new uses for our “old” library, other than books. Our staff is very creative and innovative, so it doesn’t surprise me that we got a grant for this project. And, yes, we are in need of a new library, as everything is just crammed into the current space, which we have definitely outgrown.
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Kathe Scott
6/7/2023 10:43:16 pm
Hats off to Katie and the White Cloud Library for their innovation in providing opportunities for and meeting the needs of all community members.
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February 2025
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