Multi-Sensory Environments and Inclusive Sensory Engagement at Durham County Library

Abstract

Durham County Library was one of the first public libraries in the country with dedicated Multi-Sensory Environments for patrons of all ages. Durham County Library’s Multi-Sensory Environments are modeled after those that were originally designed in the Netherlands in the 1970s for therapeutic use, particularly for people with autism, developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, and/or dementia. After several years of bringing limited library programming to the disability community, Durham County Library was awarded a two-year LSTA project grant for July 2018 through June 2020. The initiative, “Practicing Inclusivity,” was in part to develop these dedicated sensory spaces.