New Accessible Services in dlr LexIcon: July 2022

28 July 2022 / News
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Libraries are no longer just places to borrow books or study, they are also creative and engaging community spaces where people can gather, relax, read or explore resources, join a workshop and enjoy socialising with their local community, maybe even make friends along the way. Libraries run bookclubs, writing groups, craft circles and many other workshops and classes throughout the year.


The local public library has also become a technology hub in the community as people use the free internet/wifi, use PCs and printing services and access a range of services online such as training courses, language courses, eBooks and eMagazines.

dlr Libraries have a working group of committed staff that strive to make our services accessible for everyone, especially for children and families with additional needs.
dlr Libraries have sensory boxes available in each library branch, specific quiet times in three branch libraries, where lighting is lowered and IT sounds are silenced, there is a sensory/quiet room in Deansgrange library available for bookings, an Accessible Services Collection (ASC) with book recommendations for those interested in reading more about autism as well as a toys/equipment lending collection for those with additional needs. The ASC collection allows parents, care givers and teachers to try out various toys/equipment before investing in purchasing them as we are aware some items can be expensive especially if unsure a child will use or benefit from a particular item.


dlr Libraries programme events, talks and workshops that are specifically for people with autism and additional needs as well as inclusive events that are suitable for all to attend.

Pilot: New quiet room in dlr LexIcon each Wednesday during August
dlr Lexicon, Room 3, Level 5
Available for one hour bookings:
10am – 7.30pm
Email to book: 
dlrlexiconlib@dlrcoco.ie

We recognise that dlr LexIcon can be a large, busy, sometimes even loud place to visit. During August we will pilot the provision of a quiet room upstairs in dlr LexIcon. This room will be on level 5, (lift and stairs access available) and will be available each Wednesday during August from 10am-7.30pm for 1 hour bookings. The room will have a range of sensory items available including: dark den, rock and spin seats, mini river stepping stones, fidget toys, timer, weighted and sensory objects, tactile path, seesaw, activity play cube, snuggle seat. The room is available as a quiet space to retreat to, relax/read as well as a sensory stimulating place and can be used for both purposes.

Active Fun classes for children with additional needs, run by Active Academy
Friday 12th August
11.15am-12.15pm, 12.30pm-1.30pm, 2.30-3.30pm, 3.45-4.45pm
Free but booking is essential.
Email: librarybookings@dlrcoco.ie
Fun active classes for children aged 4-10yrs.


Working in small groups of six children with two qualified coaches that have extensive experience with additional needs. Classes will focus on gross & fine motor skills, social skills, hand eye coordination & fitness, positive mental health skills & lots more. Our main emphasis is fun & inclusion and creating an environment where your children can have fun, be themselves and build their own little communities.
If any parent feels their child needs one to one attention please send an expression of interest email to librarybookings@dlrcoco.ie Places are limited. (10-11am: 2 places available for one to one sessions)

Lisa Redmond runs Active Academy, a company providing fun & fitness for children of all abilities. With over 20 years of experience working with children with additional needs and in the fitness industry, Lisa has combined both her passions to bring individual programs to children & their families.

Her classes, whilst based around fun, are designed to work on skills such as fine & gross motor skills, communication, social skills, balance, coordination, positive mental health skills and many more BUT as far as the children know, they are just having fun in an inclusive environment, designed to ensure they thrive and reach their own goals.

Follow Active Academy on Instagram & Facebook 

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