Monaghan County Libraries has announced a significant commitment to inclusivity by pledging to become an Autism-friendly champion across all branch locations.
In a move that demonstrates their dedication to creating more accessible spaces for all community members, Monaghan County Libraries has unveiled a comprehensive initiative aimed at supporting individuals with Autism and their families.
“Libraries should be welcoming spaces for everyone in our community,” said the County Librarian Deirdriu McQuaid. “This pledge represents our ongoing commitment to removing barriers and creating environments where all visitors feel comfortable, supported, and valued.”
Five-Point Autism-Friendly Pledge
The initiative includes five key commitments:
- Social Stories Development: The library will create detailed social stories for each branch, helping individuals with Autism prepare for library visits by knowing what to expect in advance. These visual guides will outline common library experiences, from entering the building to checking out books.
- Virtual Branch Tours: Comprehensive video tours of all library branches will be made available online, allowing potential visitors to familiarize themselves with the layout, lighting, and overall environment before their first visit.
- Sensory Tools Availability: Each library location will be equipped with sensory tools to help visitors with regulation. These may include noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, vibration massagers and weighted balls.
- Staff Training Programme: All library staff members will undergo specialised Autism awareness training, ensuring they can provide appropriate support and understanding to visitors with Autism.
- Professional Sensory Audits: The library has partnered with AsIAm, Ireland’s national Autism charity, to conduct comprehensive sensory audits across all branches. These assessments will identify potential sensory challenges and guide modifications to create more comfortable environments.
This initiative aims to transform Monaghan County Libraries into a true community hub that recognizes and accommodates neurodiversity. By implementing these changes, the library hopes to welcome more individuals and families affected by Autism who may have previously found library visits challenging.
The library invites community feedback throughout this process and welcomes suggestions for additional accommodations that might benefit visitors with Autism and other sensory sensitivities.
For more information about this initiative or to provide feedback, please contact your local Monaghan County Library branch or email libraryactivities@monaghancoco.ie