Burlington, IA- The Burlington Public Library may become the second library in the state of Iowa to become sensory-inclusive. Library Director Rhonda Frevert told the Burlington City Council on Monday that "we've already added some sensory kits that people can come and ask for at the service desk that have things like noise-canceling headphones, and other kinds of things that they can use while their there to feel comfortable and have a positive experience." The Burlington Beacon reports that sensory sensitivities are usually seen in individuals with conditions such as dementia, autism, PTSD, and other similar conditions. Frevert said the sensory kits were paid for by a $2500 grant received from the Community Foundation of Des Moines County.
Last week was International Outreach Week. The Association for Bookmobile and Outreach Services made this designation to celebrate the work libraries do outside of the walls of their buildings. Outreach, or taking the library to where people are, has been a growing part of the work of our library f
Frevert: Change is constant and something that we need to be actively pursuing. Our library team is continuously looking for new resources to offer and ways to expand access.