A community-led project to set up a sensory library at Coventry Central Library has now launched.
The library features a range of sensory equipment such as noise cancelling headphones, weighted lap pads and various sensory lights that can be borrowed free of charge with a library card. The sensory library is predominately aimed at adults with autism but is available for anyone to use.
This project has been set up by Alex Hilton, a Coventry resident with autism, in collaboration with community group Coventry Resting spaces, supported by local charity Grapevine. It has been funded by Heart of England Community Foundation and supported by Coventry Central Library.
The idea came about when Alex discovered that autistic sensory processing is not typically well catered for in society. Sensory stimuli can easily cause distress for people that have autism.
Sensory equipment can also be expensive and it can be difficult for people to know what they need.
Alex said: “If I'd have had the chance to borrow a pair of noise cancelling headphones for example, I would have realised how much they would help years earlier and been in a better position in my life.
“I want to support people in my community and offer them the chance to try out a range of equipment so they can see what best meets their needs before they make a purchase.”
The sensory resources at Central Library will be a very welcome addition, helping to enhance the sensory experience and wellbeing of the local community.
Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said: “What a wonderful new addition to our already well-equipped Central Library. Everyone in the city deserves to have the opportunity to access equipment that is going to help their individual needs. I’m delighted that Alex has joined forces with local communities, charities and the library to make this idea a reality.
“The new initiative is going to be beneficial to so many people in the city and I’d encourage anyone that thinks they could benefit from the sensory library to go ahead and use it. I’m looking forward to having a look myself.”
Coventry Resting Spaces provide free, quiet spaces, in and around the city centre where people who need a resting space can have that. They are a group with lived experiences and now have four spaces around the city centre and nearby, including at Coventry Central Library. A fifth resting space is due to open at Herbert Art Gallery in July.
The Resting Spaces team said: “The sensory library will fit really well with our work of enabling people with hidden disabilities to better participate in our local community, so we are thrilled to be working together.”
To keep up to date with the latest news, sign up for our Your Coventry email newsletter or follow the Council on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.