About Kulture City
We get it. Visiting public spaces can be challenging for people who have sensory needs or processing issues (such as PTSD, autism, anxiety, or early onset dementia). There may be people talking and loud noises. The buildings may feel overwhelming to navigate.
That’s why we’ve partnered with KultureCity, the world’s leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and acceptance, to make visits to the library more comfortable for everyone.
What we offer
The library became an official KultureCity partner in March, which means we now offer the following supports:
Tutorials
Learn what to expect before you visit Main Library and Bertram Woods.
Sensory Bags
Available at the Information and Children’s Room desks, these bags containing special tools like noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, sunglasses, and communication cards that can help guests cope with potential sensory overstimulation.
There is also a weighted lap pad at the Main Library Information Desk.
Signage
We now have signage installed in each building that indicates which areas are typically quiet and typically loud.
Headphone Zone
These areas, like the Tech Hub (Computer Lab) or Teen Center, are areas that tend to be crowded and sometimes noisy. For this reason, customers may want to wear noise-cancelling headphones in these areas.
Quiet Areas
These areas, such as The Overlook (balcony on the second floor of Main Library), typically have less activity. They have spaces to sit and regroup after becoming overstimulated. While we cannot guarantee any area of the library will always be quiet, these areas are normally less crowded compared to the central spaces in each building.