Penn-Mar Sensory Story Times for Disabled Adults

Need for Program: The Hereford branch serves a diverse population in northern Baltimore County comprising
families, seniors and students of all ages. Because our service area is mainly rural and large, roughly 177 square
miles, there are many areas and customers we do not reach. As outreach coordinator, I wanted to explore ways to
reach out to special populations, such as disabled adults, who were not utilizing our services due to lack of
transportation and/or other limitations. In researching opportunities, I came upon an Urban Libraries Council
article on sensory story times for special needs adults taking place at the Durham County Library in North Carolina.
(Ringer) This program would serve as a starting point for Hereford's goal to welcome these individuals into our
library so that they may utilize our services, as well as engage in a high quality program specifically targeted to
their needs.
Potential Community Partners: The Hereford branch was in the process of expanding its art displays to include
community groups. One of these groups was Penn-Mar Human Services for disabled adults. Penn-Mar operates a
day habitation center in Maryland Line, located in the northernmost section of the county. I met with Sarah Willey,
the day program manager and Sandra Dougherty, activities coordinator. We discussed program parameters,
including a sample multi-sensory story time I created. My supervisor Samantha O'Heren and I toured the Penn-Mar
facility to meet some of the clients and to see firsthand the programs Penn-Mar currently has in place.
Steps Necessary: To be as prepared as possible, I met with librarians Lori Guenther from the Maryland State
Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled and Diane Berkman, from the Aberdeen Branch of Harford County
Public Library. Both have experience with special needs adult programming. I observed BCPL librarian Brenda
Johnson-Perkins and her program for seniors with cognitive challenges. I also spoke with BCPLs youth services
coordinator Marisa Conner. I learned how to frame my program, books to choose, choices for music and other
sensory components. At branch level, I solicited input regarding feasibility of program, including noise level and
planning time concerns. I asked BCPLs Integrated Library Services to create a library card for Penn-Mar so
materials could be checked out at each visit. Looking at our business level, we decided a 30-minute program would
take place at 1 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month in our meeting area. I set three tables together to create
an intimate setting for my customers to sit around. Penn-Mar decided to rotate six different clients and caregivers
every month, beginning Sept. 25, 2014. I asked my supervisor to be a backup presenter. I emailed Penn-Mar to
ensure the tasting component is approved ahead of time.
How to Evaluate: Effectiveness of program and presenter (are clients participating, smiling, having a good time,
are materials engaging and appropriate; is program planning within accepted parameters); Punctuality (are clients
on time); Responsibility (are materials returned on time and in good condition; Time/location (is program at a
optimal time, are we displacing other customers, are we too loud); Need (are we providing a value-added service).
Recognize that there may be growing pains with new relationships. How does this program fit into BCPL's mission?
We are connecting our diverse community that includes Penn-Mar customers with high quality services, such as a
monthly multi-sensory story time, in a welcoming physical space. We also provide books to borrow that support a
lifelong love of reading.
Ringer, Sarah. "Sensory Storytime for Special Needs Adults." Urban Libraries Council. N.p., 2013. Web. 01 Aug.
2014.

December 10, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Multi-Sensory Story Time for Special Needs Adults

at the Hereford Library
The Hereford Branch of Baltimore County Public Library hosts a multi-sensory story time for disabled
adults from Penn-Mar Human Services and their caregivers at 1:00 p.m. on the last Thursday of each
month. Incorporating the five senses, this 30-minute program includes music, books, movement
activities and discussion. To learn more, please contact Cynthia Webber at 410-887-1919 or email at
cwebber@bcpl.net.

* This event can also be promoted on BCPL's Facebook page one week in advance.