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Sensory Room

A quiet space to take a break, de-stress and stim
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The Racine Public Library’s sensory room is a private, quiet room full of calming toys and tools like bubble tanks, cozy enclosures, tactile wall toys, sensory lights and more. It also includes a privacy screen and chair for nursing parents.

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What is a sensory room?

A sensory room is a relaxing space with furniture, toys, gadgets and more to meet people’s unique sensory needs. Sensory rooms can be an educational or development space for children or cognitively disabled people. They can soothe an autistic person experiencing a meltdown. Or they can be a secure place for a person with trauma to relieve a flashback.

 

These are only examples — the room is open to anyone who would find it supportive. No matter the need, the sensory room is a safe space for emotional regulation and sensory stimulation.

Who can use the sensory room?

Anyone! We especially invite autistic people, disabled people, those with mental illness and parents and their young children to use the room.

 

Learn more:

Can you add something new to the sensory room?

Maybe! Send your suggestion to [email protected], and we’ll consider adding it to our next supply purchase.

What sensory activities can I do from home?

A lot of the items in our sensory room are available for purchase to have in your own home. There’s a lot of options for other sensory toys and activities for at home. Here’s a few links to explore!

 

Learning about different types of minds and needs is a constant journey. It’s also a great way to support yourself or loved ones in new ways. Here’s a few links to help:

 

What tools are in the sensory room?

Bubble Tube

Color-changing bubbles, moving fish and a gentle hum calm the eyes and ears.

Pod Swing

Settle into this cozy little pod and swing around for motion and fun.

Bubble Mirror

Follow your reflection around the mirror, and see what you notice! 

Mood Shape

A large, glowing, egg-shaped light that changes colors. It’s the perfect size for holding!

Infinity Mirror

Gazing into this mirror is like looking down a long tunnel.

Fiber Optic Lights

These fiber optic lights are long enough to trail around the room.

Water Beads

Squeeze the soft, watery orbs throughout their clear pouches.

Putty

Roll, squeeze or stretch this gooey putty.

Wall Caterpillar

This hands-on wall board holds a bead maze, doors that open to different textures, moving gears and more.

Gel Tiles

Step, sit or jump on the tiles and watch the colors ooze.

Rocking Chair

Enjoy the soothing, rhythmic swaying of this chair.

Touch Lights

Touch the wall light’s tiles to change the colors and patterns.

Jellyfish Tank

Watch the jellyfish toys float gently through their tank.

Noise Blocking Headphones

Block background noise with these big, comfy headphones.

Mad Mattr

Squish this sand-like, putty-like substance into different shapes.

Weighted Blanket

The weight of this extra-heavy blanket is calming to sit or lay under.

Tent

A small, cozy tent that limits lights and noise.

Beanbag

Sink into the beanbag chair to feel cozy and comforted. 

Concentration Rocker

Rock back and forth in this plush chair to focus and move.

Sensory Mat

Step from piece to piece to feel the mats’ different textures.

Light Projector

This light makes wave patterns on the ceiling.

Toy Kit

Find your favorite textures, visuals and sounds among the fidget toys in this kit.

Learn More

See photos of these toys and tools and ideas for how to use them.

A photo of the sensory room in dim, green-toned lighting. This angle of the room shows a wall-mounted caterpillar sensory game, a table with liquid hourglasses on it, a floor rocking chair, and a foam puzzle mat with different exercise prompts on it.

Book the Sensory Room

 

The sensory room is available for 45-minute reservations one hour after the building opens and two hours before the building closes each day:

  • Monday through Thursday — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Fridays and Saturday — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

When you’re done with your session, ask the youth services desk about bringing home one of our fragrant oil samples!

 

To reserve the sensory room or ask about as-needed availability, stop by the youth services desk on the first floor, or call the library at (262) 636-9217.

 

Rules of Use

  • Up to six people can be in the sensory room at a time.
  • Reservations are only for the person who makes the reservation and any guests they name.
  • Guests under 12 years old must have a parent or guardian with them.
  • No food or drinks in the sensory room, except for dietary or medical needs.
  • The room can’t be used for professional therapy without the approval of the library.
  • Let a library worker know if any of the room’s contents are broken or not working.
  • When you’re done in the room, please return it to the way you found it.

 

Want to see what other changes we’re making to the library to celebrate our 125th anniversary?

 

To learn more about the sensory room, read our policies and procedures, or email Ashley Cedeño at [email protected].

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