Libraries

Autistic people are more likely to visit their local library, and twice as often, as other people. Yet, 40% don’t because of uncertainty about the environment.

Our research found that staff training, tolerance of noise and understanding from the public are the key adjustments for an autism friendly space.

We have developed the autism-friendly resources for libraries to use to lead in a more inclusive community. There is also the opportunity for libraries to take our bespoke autism inclusion workshop and receive a tailored accessibility report and autism friendly recognition award.

After this training, I felt fired up to make other people, and namely other staff in the libraries, more aware of how they could be more informed about autism and how they could make their work places increasingly accessible.

Hull’s Avenues library

Visit your local library

The website for your local library should have contact details listed on it.

Some libraries have maps and photos of them available on their website.

These are helpful to understand what to expect when you walk through the door, and how to find key amenities like the toilets.

Find your local library website

Working with the Association of Senior Children’s and Education Librarians

Dimensions are working with the Association of Senior Children’s and Education Librarians.  Their aim is to lead excellence in library services for children, young people and schools so that every school has access to a high-quality school library service and every young person feels inspired to read.

They offer training and support to the nation’s public libraries to help make autism-friendly adjustments to make local libraries into thriving environments where everyone is welcome.