NMPL ANNOUNCES NEW SENSORY KITS

North Manchester Public Library is thrilled to offer new Sensory Kits for patrons in the library’s latest initiative to reach the neurodiverse community in creative and exciting ways!

"These kits will have many uses and benefits," shares Sarah Morbitizer, Children's Department Manager. "They enable patrons to try items to find out how well they work for their kiddos before making a financial investment. They're a great resource for patrons who have neurodiverse visiting family, help out with long car rides, serve as a focus and attention aid for kids who come to the library with tutors and social workers, and assist caregivers with children who are having a rough day here at the library." 

In addition to several sensory kits, selected stand alone items are also available for patron checkout.  These include a Keeping Kalm Microwaveable Weighted Sloth, an Inflated Wobble Cushion Wiggle Seat, and several frustration free building sets.

Each Kit serves a specific purpose. There are 5 total sensory boxes to choose from:

Interactive (2): These kits are for those who have energy to spare and need to be constantly moving around to be entertained!  Items include an Expandable Ball, Bubble Pops, Shake Musical Ball, Stretchy Worms and a Busy Board.

Sweet Dreams/Relax: This box promotes relaxation and calm after a high energy activity and is especially helpful for improving bedtime routines. It contains a Weighted Lap Blanket, a Sensory Moon Night Light with 8 nature sounds. Quiet Book, Stress Ball, Liquid Motion Bubbler, and noise reducing Headphones. 

All About Texture: Different textures can create different positive stimulations and heighten the development of the senses. Puffer Balls, Hedge Hog Rings, a Pin Art Game, and Textured Noodles provide a wide range of sensory input.

Nothin' Wrong With Help: Day to day care can be tricky sometimes and there is absolutely nothing wrong with asking for help! Some people have trouble closing their hand properly around a pencil; one person may have trouble drinking from a "regular" cup; some may not be able to verbalize what they are wanting clearly. This box will have items that assist with those day to day activities, like Foam Grip Tubes, Flexy Nose Cups and a Tiny Talker Too!

“All patrons that have, care, or hang out with neurodiverse kiddos are encouraged to check these out,” says Molly Magnus, Programming Coordinator. “If you've had your eye on something for a while, but not sure if it's worth the money, check out one of these boxes and see if it's a good fit for your kiddo before you buy! We are so excited to continue to grow and offer more resources in our library. Having a special needs kiddo myself, I am super appreciative and thankful to have access to these types of resources in our small community.”
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We invite you to stop by the Children’s Department to take one home today!