OAK RIDGE, Tenn — The Oak Ridge Public Library started a new program to help young children with sensory issues enjoy the library.
The Sensory-Friendly Story Group uses dimmed lights, smaller groups and quieter sounds to help ease overstimulation for kids with ADHD or autism. It comes amid calls for more accessibility throughout the city of Oak Ridge for people who are neurodivergent.
Michael Raymond, the daytime children's room clerk, said the new program comes after a workshop with other sensory-friendly groups.
"(For) our first few sort of pilot programs last year, they brought their group in and gave us some ideas on format, props we can use, set up of the room — that sort of thing," he said.
The said story groups are offered once a month on a Friday, at 10:30 a.m. It said the program is up to 25 minutes long and includes interactive components. It is held in the library auditorium and is free to attend.
It is meant for children between 2 years old and 6 years old, but children of any age are welcome to join in the sensory-friendly story group. The library said each group is limited to 12 families in order to keep the program small and approachable. Families can sign up for the story group by calling the library at 865-425-3459, or by going to the library's children's room.
