Public Library Gets $50K for Sensory Space

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County has received a $50,000 Outreach and Partnership Grant to create a dedicated sensory space and offer additional programming and library services for those with special needs.

The grant from the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services, awarded by the State Library of Ohio, assists libraries in providing new and innovative ways of offering services to patrons.

The sensory space will be at the Boardman Library and will include approachable play materials that users can see, touch and explore to help regulate their bodies through calming sensory experiences. The space will be used for programs, such as sensory story times, and for patrons who need a sensory break while using the library. Patrons will also be able to book the space.

“PLYMC is grateful to receive this funding to help provide a better library experience for members of our special needs community, though we believe all of our patrons will benefit from the sensory space,” said Pam Brockway, PLYMC’s public service manager.

Work on the space will begin in the next few weeks and is expected to be completed by late summer 2023.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.