Sensory Story Time Expands to Two More NCRL Branches

North Central Regional Library received a $9,900 grant to put toward the addition of two new sensory storytimes and the creation of take home kits for children on the autism spectrum. The sensory story time was introduced at the Wenatchee Public Library and now will expand to Tonasket and Moses Lake libraries in 2020.

"It's gotten a really great response (at the Wenatchee Public Library) and seems to be filling a need," said Angela Morris, director of public services. "It was kind of an experiment to start it at the Wenatchee Public Library and it's going really, really well."

The sensory storytimes are similar to the regular story hours that all 30 library branches offer. However, the sensory storytimes include materials that fit the needs of children with autism, such as weighted blankets, fidget toys and noise cancelling headphones. The funding will cover the training and supplies for the storytimes.

"We're starting with two branches, hoping we'll learn a lot from this initial experiences and perhaps want to expand it out to other branches later on," said Morris.

The grant was awarded by North Central Accountable Community of Health.