Dear Livingston Library Community,

Libraries are for everyone.

I am excited to announce an inclusive, engaging, and fun multi-sensory program designed for differently-abled children and their families to enjoy the library: Sensory Story Time. This program is part of an ongoing initiative to make the library a welcoming and comfortable destination for all members of our community.

Youth Librarian Gina Vaccaro designed this new program for children of all abilities in grades K-5. Compared to a traditional story time class, there is less sitting, more action, interaction and freedom of movement as children are encouraged to actively participate in the class.

The first session of Sensory Story Time is offered Saturday morning, February 9 at 9:15 AM. This early start time is designed to create a private and stress-free library experience, allowing the families access to the library before it is open to the public. Registration is required; the class size will be limited to five families so as not to overwhelm the children with a large group and to offer individualized attention to each child.

In addition, new ‘Calming Kits’ have been added to our ‘Library of Things’ and are now available to take home or use in the Library. The kits include visual timers, ear defenders, a soundspa portable sound machine, a liquid motion bubble toy, stretch balls, and various fidget toys. Both of these new initiatives have been generously funded by the Friends of the Livingston Library.

All the best,
Amy