Prepare for your trip to the library

Due to Covid-19 some venues are closing. Please check with your local venue and visit this page for updates and information.

The library is an interesting, interactive and engaging place to visit. We will soon have a map you can use to find a library near you, but we need you to ask your local library to get involved.

Ask them to visit dimensions-uk.org/AFLTraining to become an autism friendly library.

Planning to visit your library? Here’s how you can prepare for your trip…

Talk to your library staff

Library staff are keen for more guests to visit their library and take advantage of the resources they have available. They can provide information about:

  • What to expect when you arrive there
  • If someone can give you a tour and show you how things work
  • Where to find books you’re interested in
  • The quietest times to visit
  • Events you might be interested in attending.

The website for your local library should have contact details listed on it. You can find your local library through: gov.uk/local-library-services

You could even share our social story template with them and ask them to personalise it for their library.

autism friendly libraries - visitor smiling
share our social story template with your library and ask them to personalise it.

Download our social story template

We have developed this social story for autistic library guests. There are spaces for you to personalise it with information and photos.

The social story has sections for:

  • Before I go to the library
  • About the library
  • How I become a member of the library
  • When I visit the library

Download your social story template for visiting the library.

Research your library

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.

You can find the website for your local library though gov.uk/local-library-services

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