The library is free and open to everyone, but we know that for some, access to our services and facilities can be a greater challenge. We are always looking for ways to overcome barriers to our services. For many years, the library has offered assistance to those with mobility issues and vision and hearing disabilities. As we learn more about other challenges people face, the library is expanding our services to be even more inclusive and training staff about those challenges so we can better serve all of our friends and neighbors.
There are several conditions that aren’t readily apparent, but may affect how a person experiences and navigates a public space — dementia, mental health challenges, and neurodivergent conditions such as autism are just a few. Here are some of the enhancements we’ve made to our services with the hope of increasing access and comfort for everyone in our community.
Adults With Disabilities
We offer social and educational programs for those with developmental disabilities like Down syndrome. Adults with a caregiver can participate in frequent programs for adults with disabilities at our library in Columbia and occasional programs at our other libraries.
Patron feedback: A patron stopped by the Children’s Desk today to share how they work with adults intellectual and developmental disabilities, and they had attended the “Marty the Magician” show with their group this past week. They shared how much their group enjoyed the show.
Dementia Care
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease diminish brain function and worsen over time, but there are ways to proactively improve brain health and engage with those who are affected.
Dementia Friends
As an organization, DBRL staff went through training to be recognized by Dementia Friends USA. With a better understanding of dementia, our staff can interact with people so they are understood and feel welcome.
Memory Care Kits
We offer 14 Memory Care Kits focusing on different themes, like baseball or pets. They include activities intended to stimulate the senses and activate memories the dementia patient can share with family or caregivers. Pick one up at your library or bookmobile stop or reserve a Memory Care Kit online.
Patron feedback: A patron could not speak enough about the Memory Care Kits. She touched on the generational experience they offer to everyone from grandchildren to grandparents. She does programs with caregivers in her community and took the bird watching kit with her to share all that it has to offer.
Memory Cafés
“Memory Café” events give dementia patients and their care partners an opportunity to socialize in a structured and safe environment. Participants enjoy music, conversation, light refreshments and activities from the Memory Care kits.
Patron feedback: ”I really enjoyed being there today. It was great being able to relax and not have to worry too much about what my husband was doing or saying. You all created a wonderful atmosphere, and I learned a lot, too.”
Patron feedback: ”What you are offering is a wonderful service. I hope you will be able to continue to share this outreach, and that those who need it and those who love them will have the chance to learn about the availability of this wonderful resource. Humans need other humans, and that need does not go away with dementia, it increases.”
Caregiver Support and Prevention
The library partners with the Alzheimer’s Association to offer frequent informational classes for those caring for a loved one with dementia and on healthy habits to prevent or delay memory issues.
Mental Health First Aid
Sometimes those experiencing a pending mental crisis don’t recognize it in themselves. Partnering with the Missouri Department of Mental Health, we offer day-long workshops that train friends, family, coworkers on what signs to watch for and how to get a person the help they need. Both adult and youth sessions are held.
Neurodiversity Accommodations
Sensory-Friendly Events for Children
In the last year, we introduced “Sensory-Friendly Story Time” for kids at the Columbia Public Library. Since then we’ve expanded our sensory-friendly program offerings to include “Sensory-Friendly Discovery Time,” “Exploration Stations,” a “Stuffie Snuggle Party” and more. In these sessions, we offer a comfortable, positive environment with soft lighting, music and additional time for exploration and transitions.
Patron feedback: There was a mom who was new to the area and came to “Sensory-Friendly Story Time” with her kiddos. She is also an occupational therapist and said that our story time was awesome! We were doing everything right — low lighting, visual story time lineup, transition time. I was also able to connect with a mom and kiddo who have been coming to the library for a very long time. They have struggled in the past with our traditional programming because it was too over-stimulating, but they have been thriving in this story time.
Calming Room
At the Columbia Public Library, we have a space set up near the Children’s Desk on the first floor where anyone feeling overwhelmed for any reason can take a moment away from the hubbub in a quiet space. You can check the room’s availability at the Children’s Desk.
Patron feedback: We had a mother asking about the calming room today. I opened it up for her and she was delighted. She loved that there were little toys and that it locked so she wouldn’t be interrupted.
Autism Friendly Business Training
At the most recent Staff Development Day, staff were presented with the Autism Friendly Business Training provided by the Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment. The training helps staff build confidence in supporting autistic individuals and deepens their understanding of the strengths and challenges that may come with autism — ensuring all families feel welcomed and supported in our community.
Noise-Canceling Headphones
People who need to block out noisy distractions at the Columbia Public Library can borrow a pair of noise-canceling headphones at the Children’s Desk.
As you read through these services and opportunities, you may have discovered something helpful to you or someone you know. Check our program listings for upcoming events and classes mentioned in this article. If you or someone you know needs ADA accommodations, we encourage you to contact our ADA coordinator at ada@dbrl.org.