Let’s challenge the status quo of library spaces, and dream about future spaces together. Come find out all the glorious details about why sensory spaces are the next big wave in libraries. We all learn differently and prefer different types of environments. Sensory spaces offer unique study and relaxation spaces in libraries, that help support neurodiversity, inclusivity, and accessibility by offering a range of sensory experiences. Some are high sensory environments, with a flood of colors, patterns, fidget toys, and tactile elements. Some are low sensory environments for people who prefer limited distractions, often with a muted color pallet and a minimalist aesthetic. We will cover why these spaces are beneficial, how they support different types of library users, and how to pitch the idea at your library. We’ll see an example of sensory spaces at the MSU Library, and hear from attendees who have sensory spaces in their own libraries. Then we will break out into groups, or individually, to create digital mood-boards (using Padlet) for high sensory, and/or low sensory spaces, before sharing all the sparkling ideas with the group. We will think big, and also brainstorm elements that could be pulled together on a limited, or zero-dollar budget. Walk away prepared to successfully advocate for new sensory spaces to library leadership, with specific ideas you can implement at our library.

1. INDULGE YOUR
SENSES: CREATING
SENSORY SPACES IN
LIBRARIES
Jacqueline L. Frank

2. YOUR PRESENTER
Jacqueline L. Frank
Instruction & Accessibility Librarian
Jacqueline.frank@montana.edu

3. OUTLINE:
• What are sensory spaces?
• Why are they important?
• Case Study: Implementing two sensory
spaces at Montana State University
• Why two?
• The process: proposal > implement >
feedback
• Overview of each space
• Tips, Takeaways, & Resources

4. SECTION 1:
WHAT & WHY

5. Who has a sensory space
at their library?
?
5

6. What are sensory
spaces?
?
6

7. Sensory spaces offer a place for “students
to experience a range of sensory stimuli and
allow the individual to reduce stress and
relax... Multisensory environments are
spaces that allow users to experience
different variations of sensory input and
have some control over the input they
receive.”
7
.
”
https://www.uwstout.edu/about-us/news-center/new-sensory-space-offers-quiet-room-experience-stimuli-relaxation
“

8. WHAT ARE SENSORY
SPACES:
• Spaces that offer a range of stimuli, so users
can choose what works best for them
• Sensory stimulating spaces: high
sensory spaces with color, texture, fidgets
and activities, lighting options, floor time
• Sensory avoidant spaces: low sensory
spaces to limit visual and noise distraction,
subdued lighting options

9. Why are sensory spaces
important?
?
9

10. WHY THEY ARE
IMPORTANT:
• Promote relaxation and self regulation
• Support neurodiversity and offer focused
support
• Benefit all users seeking varied spaces
• Accommodate diverse needs while also
sending a message of inclusiveness
• Aligns with the library's mission to create
welcoming and accessible environments for
all

11. SECTION 2:
CASE STUDY

12. IMPLEMENTING TWO
SENSORY SPACES AT
MSU:
• Most universities have implemented just one
high sensory room
• MSU Prototyped both
• Sensory stimulating space: with color,
texture, fidgets, games, activities, lighting
options, rug for floor time
• Sensory avoidant, individual spaces to
limit visual and noise distraction, subdued
lighting options

13. WHY TWO?
UNIQUE
PATRON
NEEDS
VARIETY &
OPTIONS
DIVERSITY
IN
PURPOSE
Different people need different
things
Control

14. WHY TWO?
• We also had spaces that could easily be utilized to
offer these two different options, without removing
spaces that are currently being used for other
purposes.
• We enhanced the spaces aesthetically to provide
different sensory experiences, while still providing
the same amount of student study space in the
library.

15. THE PROCESS
RESEARCH
- What & why
- Other Universities
PROPOSAL
- What & Why
- Location
- Existing items to
repurpose
- Tiered budget
options & wish list
for new items
- Approval & final
budget
IMPLEMENT
- Wait for new paint
- Move existing
furniture
- Order & add new
items
- Signage
FEEDBACK
- Add feedback
boxes
- Collect & report
feedback
(Sensory seeking space first; ~$1500 budget)
(Prototyped sensory avoidant spaces, $0
budget)

16. THE TIMELINE
SUMMER 2023
We thought we’d be done
here… think again!
Research &
Proposal
Decided to propose
two types of
FALL 2023
Approval to
implement sensory
seeking space
(~$1500 budget
for new items)
WINTER 2023
Approval to
*prototype sensory
avoidant spaces &
gather feedback
($0 budget for
initial prototype)
SPRING 2024
Revise proposal for
sensory avoidant
spaces, with
feedback, budget &
wish list
EVENTUALLY
Purchase and
implement new
sensory avoidant
spaces

17. SENSORY SEEKING SPACE
BEFORE AFTER

18. SENSORY SEEKING SPACE
 Location: not fully enclosed, on 1st floor, not a quiet
floor
 Aesthetic theme: Blue & Gold, wood, colorful &
patterns
 Existing furniture & items, repurposed:
o Low chairs & low-height table
o Bobble-stools
o Bookshelf from surplus
o Board games relocated to this space
o Chalk board
o Plants
o Tall, curved, multi-level stool seating, to help create
a space barrier
AFTER

19. SENSORY SEEKING SPACE, CONT.
AFTER
 Location: not fully enclosed, on 1st floor, not a quiet floor
 Aesthetic theme: Blue & Gold, wood, colorful & patterns
 Donated:
o Fidget toys
o Baskets to organize items
o Multi-colored ‘Medusa’ floor lamp
o Legos, baseplates
 Additional items purchased (~$1,500):
o Sensory wall ($900)
o Rug ($300)
o Lap Desk ($100)
o Art supplies
o Games
o Disinfecting wipes

20. MORE PHOTOS

21. FEEDBACK FROM
COMMENT BOX:
21
“This sensory thing is cool as biscuits” (undergrad)
“Super cool space. Floor cushions?” (undergrad)
“Me and the homies love it. Honestly what we need out of a
library” (undergrad)
“How thoughtful of you to create this space. I won’t every consider/see
libraries as “a place with books for studying/reading” again. This library opens
many portals and this space, it’s another place itself. How beautiful this is!”
(grad)
“I love this space—Rose told me about it (shoutout). This is such a great spot
to be a kid and find some play but still be productive. Thank you!” (undergrad)

22. ANECDOTAL
OBSERVATIONS
22
• 1 person at a time
• Used coloring sheets
• Lego creations
• Chalk board additions

23. SENSORY AVOIDANT SPACES
BEFORE AFTER (ROUND1)

24. SENSORY AVOIDANT SPACES, CONT.
AFTER (ROUND1)
 Location: 4th floor, quiet floor, near skylight for natural light
 Multiple, individual spaces
 Aesthetic theme: Blue & neutral, avoid patterns
 Existing furniture & items, repurposed:
o Blue comfy chairs
o Blue privacy screens and room dividers
o Small tables
o Privacy screens
o Coloring sheets
 Additional items requested for purchase:
o Floor lamps
o Artwork
o Plants
o Room dividers

25. If your library has a
sensory space, what
feedback have you
received?
?
25

26. SECTION 3:
TIPS, TAKEAWAYS
& RESOURCES

27. TIPS & TAKEAWAYS
• It will take longer than you think (most likely)
• Prioritize items for purchase
• Propose a range of budget items
• Use room dividers to help create a space
• Get creative with what you can re-purpose
• Ask for donations
• Add a feedback box for suggestions &

28. If your library has a
sensory space, do you
have other tips to share?
?
28

29. RESOURCES:
• Proposal Template (provided)
• What & why
• Location
• Aesthetic theme
• Repurposed items
• Budget & wish list of items to purchase
• Space for mood board

30. QUESTIONS ?
?
30

31. YOUR TURN:
Proposal Template
Use the proposal template to brainstorm
who/what/where/when/why/how you would do
this in your own library:
bit.ly/SensorySpaceProposal
Get Crafty: Create a
Mood Board
Cut & paste the OG way to gather inspiration for
colors, furniture, lighting, artwork, plants, rugs,
décor, etc. to add to your proposal

32. REFERENCES:
 “Come Chill Out at the Library: Creating Soothing Spaces for
Neurodiverse Students” from Susquehanna University
 “Creating a Sensory Room to Support Neurodiversity” from
East Carolina University
 “Adelphi Updates Innovative Sensory Room for
Neurodivergent Students for In-Person Fall Semester” from
Adelphi University
 “New Sensory Space offers quiet room to experience stimuli,
relaxation” from UW-Stout
 “A Space for Everyone” from University of Minnesota Duluth
 “Relaxation room helps WCU students alleviate stress as
they prepare for final exams this week” from West Chester
University
?

33. THANK YOU!
Jacqueline L. Frank
Instruction & Accessibility Librarian
Jacqueline.frank@montana.edu

34. CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE
Please attribute Jacqueline L. Frank with a link to the original
presentation.
Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed under
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/
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