'Sensory Storytime' to begin in spring

WENATCHEE — North Central Regional Library officials have announced a new Storytime series in Moses Lake designed for children on the autism spectrum. The new program is scheduled for implementation in spring 2020.

It’s an expansion of a program started in Wenatchee earlier this year. “Sensory Storytime” also is scheduled to start in the spring in Tonasket.

The expansion was paid for by a $9,900 grant from the North Central Accountable Community of Health. The grant also will help pay for kits of books and “sensory support items” that can be checked out at any NCRL branch.

Daniel Klayton, a NCRL branch group manager, said all 30 NCRL facilities offer Storytime for toddlers and preschool children. Most have songs, games, exercises and crafts to go along with adults reading books aloud. “But oftentimes they can be a little overwhelming for kids on the autism spectrum or with special sensory needs,” Klayton said.

Sometimes the noise and activities can be too much for kids, said Michelle McNeil, NCRL communications manager. Library employees have heard from parents who hesitated to bring their children, concerned that it would be overwhelming for the kids. Other parents were concerned kids might get frustrated and disruptive.

Adults reading books aloud, games and crafts will continue to be part of the new Storytime series. But “the sensory Storytimes will include crafts and toys that accommodate the needs of children with autism,” McNeil wrote. Those include “compression vests, weighted blankets and stuffed animals that help calm and focus children, fidget toys and noise-canceling headphones.”

The take home kits also will have “resources that connect families to other support organizations in their local area,” McNeil wrote.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at education@columbiabasinherald.com.