Sensory Services

Published on 25th January 2023

Dublin City Libraries are delighted to present a 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 autistic children 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.

JAM Card Friendly

JAM Cards allow people with a communication barrier to tell others they need ‘Just A Minute’ discreetly and easily.

The JAM Card© was created by NOW Group, a social enterprise that supports people with learning difficulties and autism into jobs. People using their service said they would like a way to tell others that they need a little extra time or patience.

Find out more about NOW Group and JAM Card©.

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

Announcing the NEW Sensory Collection: assistive software and sensory toy catalogue!

One of the key goals of this collection is to make sensory toys and assistive software more accessible. We understand that this kind of equipment can be expensive. Families can now try out toys and assistive software for free through their local library.

All items on the Sensory catalogue must be reserved online or ordered in your local library as items are stored off-site in a dedicated locale.

Sensory Cubbies

We have sensory cubbies in Ballyfermot Library, Central Library, Cabra Library, Coolock Library and Walkinstown Library.

The sensory cubbies are aimed at people with sensory processing disorders. The cubbies offer a sensory management system for both children and adults. Programmes last 5 to 15 minutes and consist of colours, images and music.

The Sensory Pod in Cabra Library is different to the Cubbies in other branches. It doesn’t offer programmed options, instead the pod offers a calming and relaxing space for children. It has a mood light ceiling which is calming and relaxing. It can be changed instantly to the favoured colour. Music can be played via Bluetooth.

Please contact the 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.

These 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.

Tovertafel

Have you tried out the Tovertafel (Magic Table) yet?

The Tovertafel is available to book at Cabra Library, Central Library, Donaghmede Library, Finglas Library and Walkinstown Library. The Tovertafel is a fun, interactive ‘magic table’ ideal for 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 Cabra Library, Central Library or Walkinstown Library for further information and to book. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Sensory Box

All our libraries have boxes with sensory items which can be used in the library.

Sensory Box items require adult supervision
They are not for use by children under four
Please make sure children don't put the items in their mouths
Please return the box to library staff before leaving

As the items are small and encourage a lot of touching, we ask that children use the sensory items under the supervision of an accompanying adult. Fidget toys can help to reduce stress and anxiety. They can help with attention, focus, calming and active listening. Our range of sensory toys includes:

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 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.

Finglas Library hosts a weekly Sensory Library every Saturday morning from 10am to 11.30am. The library will provide a special Sensory Room, including a Soft Play Area and our interactive Tovertafel games console, in addition to dimmed lightning, lowered noise, and reduced sensory triggers.

Cabra Library's weekly Sensory Hour takes place every Thursday at 5-6pm, providing children with a soft play area, sensory pod, and sensory books and toys to interact with in an environment with reduced noise and lighting. No booking is required.

Please see information for toddler groups and sensory hours.

Read our blog featuring Children's books about feelings and emotions.