Sensory Services

Dublin City Libraries are delighted to present a new range of sensory and assistive resources available for use in branch libraries citywide. 

This resource collection has been developed to offer support to children and adults with additional sensory needs, making libraries more accessible and welcoming for them. Engaging children with autism in sensory activities is beneficial in several ways, as it can help with: stimulating the brain, creating neural pathways, and improving sensory processing systems. It also improves social skills such as communication and co-operation.

We're piloting a new magazine The Fact Factory with assistive technology for children in five libraries, Coolock, Donaghmede, Pearse Street, Pembroke and Walkinstown. (18.01.23)

JAM Card Friendly 

JAM Card allows people with a communication barrier tell others they need ‘Just A Minute’ discreetly and easily. (25.01.23) This will be rolled out shortly so please keep and eye on our social media. 

The JAM Card© was created by NOW Group, a social enterprise that supports people with learning difficulties and autism into jobs with a future and their service users told them that they would like a way to relay to people that they need a little extra time or patience.

Find out more about NOW Group at www.nowgroup.org and JAM Card© at www.jamcard.org

There are three message options to choose from:

• Please be patient, I have autism
• Please be patient, I have a learning disability / difficulty
• Please be patient, I have a condition

For those with a learning difficulty, autism or any condition where there can be a communication barrier, the JAM Card allows users to relay to others that they may need a little extra time in a simple, effective non-verbal manner. The JAM Card is useful when on public transport, in a retail or any other customer facing environment.

Sensory Cubbies

The sensory cubbies in Coolock Library, Cabra Library and Walkinstown Library plus the sensory box items were provided by national sensory funding and Dormant Account Funding by The Department of Rural and Community Development.  

For more information please contact your local library

Sensory Cubbies

The sensory cubbies in Coolock Library, Cabra Library and Walkinstown Library plus the sensory box items were provided by national sensory funding and Dormant Account Funding by The Department of Rural and Community Development.  

For more information please contact your local library

The Cubbie Sensory Hub is aimed at people with sensory processing disorders, the Cubbie offers a sensory management system for both children and adults. Programmes last 5, 10 or 15 minutes and consist of colours, images and music. Please contact any of the aforementioned libraries for more information or if you would like to book the cubbie for yourself or a family member. Children must be accompanied by an adult.  

Tovertafel

Have you tried out the fabulous Tovertafel (Magic Table) in Walkinstown Library yet? 

Now is your chance to do so. The Tovertafel is available to book at the Central Library and Walkinstown Library. The Tovertafel is a fun, interactive ‘magic table’ ideal for elderly people living with dementia, autism, learning disabilities and their carers, family and friends. Interactive light Tovertafel games are projected on to the table and sensors respond to the movements and gestures of the players. The games encourage shared experience and stimulate physical activity. We welcome use by groups or individuals - groups of four can comfortably sit around the table. Please contact either the Central Library or Walkinstown Library directly for further information and to book. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 

Sensory Box

• Sensory Box items require adult supervision
• Not for use by children under four
• Please make sure children don't put the items in their mouths
• Box must be returned to to library staff before leaving

Each branch has between 30-40 sensory toys / fidget packs.  The sensory box is not for lending but may be used in the library. As the items are small and encourage a lot of touching, children are to use the sensory items under the supervision of an accompanying adult. Fidget toys can help to reduce stress and anxiety in kids. They can help with attention, focus, calming and active listening. Our range of sensory toys including fidget toys: 

• Small bean bags 
• Ear defenders 
• Twidget 
• Mini fibre optic lamp
• Tangle Textured Junior
• Aroma balls
• Ooze tube
• Sand timer
• Hand massager
• Easy grip ball
• Twist and Lock Blocks
• Octopus push popper
• Squeeze
• Spiral keyring
• Flashing Pigglies
• Pop Tube
• Speed Cube
• Monkey Noodles
• Marblescope

My Sensory Hour

My Sensory Hour at Walkinstown Library is for primary school children and their parents/carers. From 3.30-4.30pm each week, chill out in our Cubbie, play with the interactive games on the Tovertafel, explore our new sensory toy box full of fun and educational toys, meet other parents and get advice from our friendly staff about books suitable for your child. 

Coolock library hosts Au-Some Evenings, which provide kids with autism and developmental disabilities an opportunity to play and learn together with family and friends in a sensory-friendly environment. Monday nights 6pm to 8pm in the children's library. No booking required. 

Please see here for toddler groups and sensory hour.

Read our blog on Children's books on feelings and emotions. 

Read about our new iniatitive: the social story, helping teachers and facilitators to prepare students with learning difficulties for their library visit.