In February 2022, Kilkenny Library Service was awarded an Autism-Friendly Status from AsIAm, Ireland’s National Autism Charity. In our Charter of Inclusion we aim to continue to promote autism awareness and autism acceptance in our libraries and wider communities.
Charter of inclusion
The library has a range of autism-friendly services and resources.
Social Story/visual stories - visiting the library
Toy and sensory resource collection
Sensory Book stock
Reader Pens
Social Story/visual stories
These are visual stories to help you prepare for your visit to the library. There is one for each of our library branches in Kilkenny. You can click on the library you want to visit and have a look at the story before you come visit us. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Both the book collection and social stories were funded by the Dormant Funds Account
Visiting the library
At your local library, we have a sensory box available. It contains small calming toys to use during your visit to help make the sensory experience better for your child.
Ear defenders are also available for children with sound sensitivities. Your library also has Lulls which have white noise and relaxing music pre-loaded for listening. Ask any staff member for these during your visit.
Toy and sensory resource collection
These toys and sensory resources have been carefully selected to help with the development of your child’s
- Gross motor skills
- fine motor skills
- play & life skills
- sensory and tactile
We have two collections, one in Ferrybank Library and one in our Library Headquarters at John’s Green’s House. You can request items through your local library.
Browse the catalogue and request items using your Toy and Sensory Resource Library Card and PIN number.
If you have any questions, contact Ferrybank Library (051 897200), Library Headquarters (056 7794160) or your local library.
This collection has been funded by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs under the Capital Grant Scheme for Play and Recreation.
Sensory Book stock
This book collection is a specialised autism collection for parents, children, teachers and carers. The books are available to Kilkenny Library members and you can request them from your local Kilkenny library branch. The collection has over 300 titles to choose from.
Reader Pens
Reader Pens read words and full lines of text aloud for independent reading. These digital highlighters can be helpful if you have dyslexia, difficulty with reading or pronunciation, are an English language learner or have vision problems. The Reader pen reads text out with a natural speaking voice. They have built-in dictionaries so you can access definitions as you read for better understanding.
We have 26 x Reader pens for borrowing in our branch libraries. They can be borrowed, by any library member, for a three-week loan period.
To register your interest in borrowing a Reader Pen, please contact your local branch with your details, including your library card number and we will let you know when one becomes available .See https://www.kilkennylibrary.ie/eng/contact_us/
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