The Timberland Regional Library (TRL), in partnership with Sensory Tool House (STH) hosts a monthly Book Club for Neurodivergent (ND) kids ages 8 and older. The club was started out of the desire to create safe and accommodating library spaces for neurodivergent youth, but also from a clear need in the community.
“We had been wanting to find ways to make the library easier and safer to use for kids and families with developmental disabilities, specifically Autism and ADHD. Busy public places, such as the library, can be overwhelming and inaccessible for neurodivergent kids,” says TRL Public Service Specialists and ND Book Club Facilitators, Naomi Bell and Freddy Vineberg.
Upon hearing about the Sensory Tool House in Lacey, Vineberg reached out right away. After meeting with CEO Katie McMurray and Director of Resources Lauren Howard, Vineberg says he was “blown away” by both their amazing space and shared enthusiasm for creating community hubs. Partnering with them for a School-aged Neurodivergent Book Club was an obvious decision.
Sensory Tool House is an inclusive community hub for Thurston County providing a “neurodiversity-affirming environment with sensory supportive equipment.” “Large, shared spaces can be super overwhelming and inaccessible for neurodivergent kids”, Vineberg explains. Bell adds, “Non-judgmental environments like this are something there is a need for, and I felt certain that holding a book club for neurodivergent kids in this space would be successful.”
The expectations of this book club have been adapted to fit the various needs of the attendees. The description of the club details, “There are many ways to engage with books, we welcome them all without judgement - whether it's reading, listening, or watching a movie adaptation. There is no pressure to finish the book, enjoy the book, attend every meeting, or even stay the whole time."
The ND Book Club facilitators feel the club has been successful in meeting their initial goals: To create a safe space where neurodivergent kids can socialize and connect with their peers outside of school, and to foster a non-judgmental space to grow their relationship to reading. Vineberg adds that they feel the success of the club is evident by the kids continuing to return each month, participants who were initially quieter beginning to share more, and club members being motivated to read outside of their usual interests.
Feedback from parents has been positive, relaying that their kids look forward to attending, and have enjoyed the book selections thus far. One book club parent says, “One of my goals is to connect my child to social spaces and experiences where he can be seen and express himself in ways that are authentic while simultaneously gaining ‘real life’ experiences. My child is an avid reader and we have looked for ways for him to connect with other likeminded readers for years. This program offered through our library has been a social outlet and a motivation for us all!”
ND Kids Book Club picks so far have included “The Insiders” by Mark Oshiro, “Amari and The Night Brothers” by B.B. Alston, “Each Tiny Spark” by Pablo Cartaya, and “Aru Shah and The End of Time” (graphic novel version) by Roshani Chokshi. Thanks to a bequest donation in honor of Dolores “Dee” J. Dick, ND Book Club members are even able to keep their copies of the books after book club.
The program takes place once a month at the Sensory Tool House which provides calm lighting and sensory items that are nice to touch/feel. The floor model fidgets in the store can also be used by attendees during book club if they need help focusing and/or regulating. Facilitators encourage parents and caregivers to stay nearby, but to leave the room if it is safe to do so, as a way of encouraging the kids' social interaction and participation.
Registration is required for this program, as there is a limit of 12 attendees due to space and time limitations. Upon reservation, the facilitators of the program coordinate how to best get a copy of the book to the attendee. Prospective attendees can contact Naomi Bell at the Lacey Library (nbell@TRL.org) or Freddy Vineberg at the Olympia Library (fvineberg@TRL.org) with any questions or requests for accommodation.
A note from the program facilitators: We are using Neurodivergent (ND) as a broad term, with the knowledge that not everyone who could benefit from participating in this book club will identify as ND. From educator and advocate Sonny Jane Wise, "Neurodivergent is an umbrella term to describe anyone whose mind or functioning diverges from dominant societal norms. Functioning differently can mean thinking, communicating, socializing, processing, behaving, feeling and more. It can be acquired, genetic, an innate part of you or not. It's not just restricted to Autism and ADHD but also mental health conditions like bipolar, personality disorders & more." (Sonny Jane Wise, https://livedexperienceeducator.com/blog/quickieguideonneurodiversity).
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