After extensive research into adapting traditional Storytime sessions for children with autism or special needs, The Library has launched a new program designed for those with a higher need for stimulation or sensitivity to excessive sounds and lights.

“Sensory Storytime” is more neurodivergent friendly, said Youth Services Coordinator Samantha Lowe.

“We want to try and make The Library more accessible,’’ Lowe said. “It is for everyone, but is it really when physical barriers hinder a child’s time enjoying The Library? Even a pair of sunglasses or a fidget toy in their hand could help a child who might be struggling with the typical storytelling setting.”

• Sensory Storytime: Saturday, March 2, April 6, and May 4, 10:30 a.m., William H. and Marion C. Alexander Family Library, Hummelstown. For ages 3 to 7 years. Registration is required and limited. Find information at www.dcls.org.

All brains are different, and even neurodivergent children with similar diagnoses have different needs and triggers, said Youth Services Manager Lindsay Gottwald, who teamed with Lowe and Youth Services Specialist Shannon Reed to create the program. Sensory Storytime incorporates various elements, such as a “visual schedule” displaying images of the song, movement, or activity that comes next.

Sensory Storytime also offers more repetition for predictability, which assures children they are in a safe space. Even the location, in the naturally lit Alexander Family Library, minimizes the need for artificial lighting.

While every session has parameters, the kids determine their own next steps and levels of activity.

“We want to meet kids where they are,” Lowe said. “The planning has to be flexible.”

That flexibility includes explicit assurances that children don’t have to do what they don’t want.

“If there’s some part of Storytime causing you sensory discomfort, it’s okay if you don’t do it,” Gottwald said, adding they tell children, “You don’t have to deal with that squishy thing. If this feels bad to you, it’s okay not to.”

It’s all about options – colored stickers to match with colored paper, colored rice to scoop, paint to mix up. As Gottwald notes, adults can choose the jobs and activities that suit their preferences and sensitivities, but children cannot.

“This is trying to build in a bit more intentional choice and intentional movement for kids who need it a little bit more,” she said.

Like all Library Storytimes, Sensory Storytime also aids parents by sharing proven tools and tips for encouraging children to read. Focusing on preliteracy and literacy skills helps ensure that children of all abilities are ready for kindergarten.

“One of the main goals for all of our Storytime programs is that parents will take these pieces of what we do and take them home and redo them,” Gottwald said. “That makes them superstars for their children. If they’re reading one book a day and do three things we model, like providing more interaction and using voices, they’re getting so much more out of Storytime than if they see us once a week.”

The Library bought special equipment for Sensory Storytime, including weighted lap blankets, noise-canceling headphones, and wiggle disks for fidgety kids to sit on.

Sensory Storytime represents The Library’s ongoing programming for children with special needs. The successful Speech Links to Literacy, developed and offered in collaboration with Capital Area Intermediate Unit, helps young children overcome their speech difficulties while improving their reading skills.

Gottwald said the additional features offered during Sensory Storytime also works for neurotypical children.

“That’s the amazing thing about inclusion,” she said. “So much of it isn’t things that are hard to do. You just have to take the time and intention to include them.”

Expanding the welcome mat to children and adults with special needs is a natural progression for The Library, where members and visitors feel comfortable doing what makes them happy.

“The Library’s tagline about being ‘A Place to Belong’ is really true,” said Gottwald. “There’s a lot of space for people to be whoever they are. We’re good at embracing the diversity of our members.”