World Autism Acceptance Week and accessing Library, Information and Advice Services

During World Autism Acceptance Week, it is important for us to show how our libraries are welcoming spaces for everyone, including our autistic customers. 

Have you visited our Sensory Space at Bath Central Library?

Sensory Space at Bath Central Library

The Sensory Space is open to everyone but we particularly welcome families and small groups of children and young adults with additional needs.

The room is usually bookable on Eventbrite but you can drop in on Saturday 1^st April 2023, during our Sensory Space Open Day. You can also join us for a Storytime or craft activity. Check our social media @B&NES Libraries for times and more information.

While you are visiting, you can ask staff about the resources you can borrow if you have a Rainbow Resources Card and about Book Trust packs for young children with additional needs.

Have you used our guides to our locations?

Visiting somewhere for the first time can be daunting but it can help to know what to expect in advance.

To help you prepare for your trip, you can visit our website and download guides to each of our locations (under section For people with sensory or learning impairments).

Opening pages of accessible guide to the Mobile Library

We may also have a copy you can borrow when you visit us.

If you are coming into our libraries as or accompanying someone with autism or other additional needs, it might be helpful to know that:

Our staff wear blue lanyards and are here to help

Libraries can be quiet places but are also sometimes noisy. We tolerate all reasonable noise in our spaces and understand that some users need to make more noise than others.

If you need it, you can speak to a member of staff if you would like help finding a quieter place in the library.

If you want to know more about our accessible libraries services offer and where else to find help and support, you can visit our website and also download our short leaflet.

accessible-library-services-handout-v2Download

Interested in local initiatives supporting people with autism?

You can read our guest blog from Jo Curd, author and co-founder of Autistic Eye and a guest blog from the 2021 World Autism Awareness Week by Sarah Keelty, Local specialist teacher about autism and education.