Welcome to our Lawrence Branch Sensory Walkway!

The Lawrence Branch is pleased to welcome patrons to our new sensory walkway. Sensory spaces have become more common in schools and libraries as we have become more aware of the needs of neurodivergent individuals. These spaces are designed to offer a range of stimuli that are calming and can help to engage and develop the senses.

All of us are taking in information from our senses all day long. These senses include sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, vestibular, proprioception and interoception. However, some of us can have trouble interpreting and integrating this information. This can affect how a person feels and behaves. A sensory space can help a person regulate their senses. It can have a calming affect on those who are experiencing a sensory overload, but can also provide sensory input for those who like more stimulation. 

At Lawrence, our sensory walkway is perfect for children and adults who might feel a little overwhelmed by our more active play area, a story time or busy program, or just by the bright lights and hustle and bustle of the library. It is located in a nook by the Youth Services reference desk and is a quiet, small space where the lights have been slightly dimmed. The space includes the following:

• A sequin panel
• Two liquid floor panels
• A bubble tube with floating fish
• A fiber optic light spray
• Two “breathe with me” carpet squares
• Two interactive wall toys
• Two fidget stools
• Two small sensory bins
• One mirror

While the sensory walkway is aimed at those with particular sensory needs, the space is open to anyone. Please treat this space respectfully, leave it how you found it, and if you need help, ask one of our Youth Services librarians.

In addition to our sensory walkway, the Lawrence Branch is also offering “Quiet Story Times”. These are very similar to a traditional story time and feature books and songs, but the group is kept small and we attempt to keep the tone gentle. The story time is followed by a craft, which usually includes a sensory component. You can find this and all of our programs under the “Events” tab at www.mcl.org.

And, for sensitive individuals who will be visiting the library for the first time, we have a “Social Story”. This is a brief introduction to what you can expect when you come to the library. It can be found on our YouTube channel or on our website. We also have a physical copy in our sensory walkway. 

Lastly, but never least, we have books! Children with sensory processing difficulties may find that they relate to the characters and situations in the following titles. But, in addition to mirrors, books can be windows and can help others understand the experiences of those with sensory processing difficulties a little bit better. Look for these titles in our online catalog.

Picture Books:

This Beach is Loud! by Samantha Cotterill

A sensitive boy gets overwhelmed by all the sights, sounds, and sensations at the beach, but his dad has a trick to help his son face these unexpected obstacles.

Oona and the Shark by Kelly DiPucchio

A curious and inventive mermaid attempts to befriend a shark with sensory issues -- Oona the mermaid is friends with everyone, but when her attempts to befriend a shark with sensory issues fail miserably she realizes what may be fun for her may be overwhelming for him.

I Don’t Like Birthday Parties by Maureen Gaspari

More than anything, Lucas wants to enjoy birthday parties like his friends, but he feels overwhelmed by all of the sights, sound and sensations. When he gets invited to a party, he makes a brave plan to join in, just like everyone else. But when his idea fails, a new friend teaches him that there is more than one way to join a birthday party.

Too Much!: An Overwhelming Day by Jolene Gutiérrez

Sometimes everything is too much! Too loud, too bright, and all too overwhelming. Writing from her own experience with sensory processing disorder, Jolene Gutiérrez's compassionate picture book explores the struggles of a sensory sensitive child and how they settle themselves. Joined by Angel Chang's beautiful illustrations, young readers will learn that it's OK if some days are too much.

A Day with No Words by Tiffany Hammond

Young children will learn what life can look like for an autistic child who uses nonverbal communication by following a mother and child on a day where they use a tablet to communicate with others.

Ellie Bean the Drama Queen by Jennie Harding

Ellie Bean's "dramatic" behaviors--including her sensitivity to noise and displeasure over simple activities--lead her mother to bring Ellie to a specialist, who determines Ellie has sensory issues and teaches her family how to care for them.

Too Sticky!: Sensory Issues with Autism by Jen Malia

With help from her family and teacher, Holly overcomes her dislike of having sticky hands to participate in a science experiment. Includes author's note about living with autism and sensory issues and a recipe for making slime.

Benji, the Bad Day, and Me by Sally J. Pla

Sammy is having a very bad day at school and at home until his autistic brother, Benji, finds a way to make him feel better.

My Brain is Magic: A Sensory-Seeking Celebration by Prasha Sooful

A sensory-seeking child describes her sensational life. Whether your brain buzzes around the room like a bee or tells you to be loud and roar like a lion, celebrate the many things that it can be! This sensory-seeking celebration shines a light on sensory processing and neurodiversity in a fun and action-packed way for all children to enjoy.

Chapter Books:

Good Different by Meg Eden Kuyatt

Seventh-grader Selah Godfrey knows that to be "normal" she has to keep her feelings tightly controlled when people are around, but after hitting a fellow student, she needs to figure out just what makes her different--and why that is ok. Told in verse.

Not If I Can Help It by Carolyn Mackler

Willa likes certain things to be certain ways. Her socks have to be soft . . . and definitely can't have irritating tags on the inside. She loves the crunch of popcorn and nachos . . . but is grossed out by the crunch of a baby carrot. And slimy foods? Those are the worst. Willa can manage all these things -- but there are some things she can't deal with, like her father's big news. He's been keeping a big secret from her . . . that he's been dating the mom of Willa's best friend Ruby. Willa does NOT like the idea of them being together. And she does NOT like the idea of combining families. And she does NOT like the idea of her best friend becoming her sister overnight. Will she go along with all of these changes? NOT if she can help it!

- by Christine, Lawrence Branch