Autism friendly events in dlr Libraries

08 January 2019 / News
labelled with

During 2019 we want to make dlr Libraries an even friendlier and more accessible place to everyone in our community.  Libraries are often the bustling heart of our communities with lots going on at any given time, from events to book clubs not to mention beeps from IT equipment. We are aware for those with Autism or ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) the noise and sensory overload in many public places, even libraries can be overwhelming. With this in mind are introducing new Autism friendly initiatives in our libraries during 2019.

Autism friendly Quiet Tuesday evenings at Cabinteely Library

Every Tuesday from 5pm -7.30pm from Jan-March

In Cabinteely Library, we are learning different ways in which we can make the library more accessible to our users with Autism. From this January, on Tuesday evenings we will have:

•          Reduced lighting

•          Priority queuing for customers dealing with autism as well as extra assistance upon request

•          Self-service machine on silent

•          Phones quiet

•          Autism assistance dogs always welcome

Our community can help us each Tuesday evening by:

•     Phones on silent and all calls taken outside the library

•     Speaking quietly

•     Chatting to children before any Tuesday evening visits to explain why the library is extra-quiet and how they can help

•     Remembering to avoid light-up toys or shoes on children

•     Letting the staff know any further way in which we can accommodate the autism community.    

Autism friendly film screening in Blackrock library on Sat 16 Feb at 2.30pm

Don’t know what to do with your Saturday afternoon?  Why not join us in Blackrock library for a children’s movie! 

This will be an Autism friendly film screening, children are welcome to move, walk around, eat, drink and feel uninhibited. The sound will be kept at low volume and the lights left on to make all feel comfortable in the space.

This movie will be certified General or Universal.  All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.  For more information, contact Blackrock library on 01 2888117.

For more Autism friendly services during 2019,  please keep an eye on our website. If you have ideas for Autism and public libraries please email libraryculture@dlrcoco.ie

Share this Post