Wake County Public Libraries are becoming more sensory inclusive

Officials announced Thursday that the library system is the first in the state to achieve Sensory Inclusive certification from the nonprofit organization KultureCity.

Posted 2:57 p.m. Mar 14 — Updated 6:39 p.m. Mar 14

Kathy Hanrahan

, WRAL lifestyle editor

GARNER, N.C. — Wake County Public Libraries are becoming more inclusive for those with sensory needs.

Officials announced Thursday that the library system is the first in the state to achieve Sensory Inclusive certification from the nonprofit organization KultureCity, which works with groups across the country to help make environments more accessible for those with sensory needs including those autism, military veterans with PTSD, adults with dementia or Parkinson's disease and stroke patients.

The process of becoming certified began two years ago. The library system was certified in January and the more than 450 library employees have all been trained.

KultureCity says via their website that the certification "ensures daily accessibility not limited by time and location thus creating an accepting and inclusive community." The nonprofit has worked with many sports organizations including The Oklahoma City Thunder and The Prudential Center, the home of the New Jersey Devils, to train staff on how to identify non-verbal sensory clues, provide bags containing headphones and fidget toys for guests and create environments like sensory rooms for fans in need.

In addition to the bags, some libraries have quiet rooms available for those in need.

The library system is adding several new programs to coincide with the initiative including sensory storytime, drop-in sensory events, music therapy and music in the library.

While Wake County is the first library system in North Carolina to achieve certification, it isn't the first venue in the state to do so.

In Raleigh, the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, Reynolds Coliseum, PNC Arena, Raleigh Convention Center and Carter-Finley Stadium are among the venues certified Sensory Inclusive.

Cameron Indoor Stadium, the Durham Bulls Athletic Park and Durham Performing Arts Center in Durham and Booth Amphitheatre in Cary are also among the 50 venues in the state that are certified.

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