Library’s new Children’s Room and Sensory Room well received

Pound Ridge Library’s renovated Children’s Room and new Sensory Room.

By NEAL RENTZ

The recently opened Pound Ridge Library’s renovated Children’s Room and new Sensory Room have drawn rave reviews from patrons, according to Library Director Jennifer Coulter.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration for the rooms is set for Friday, March 7, at 11 a.m. It will feature storytime with Dawn Bowman of BreadsNBakes, and sensory storytime facilitator Evelyn Carmichael.

According to the library, the Children’s Room and Sensory Room were designed to serve individuals of all ages and abilities and the rooms reflect the library’s commitment to inclusivity, creativity and community engagement.

The projects were made possible through funding from the Pound Ridge Library Foundation and a grant from the American Library Association. 

“I want to make sure I recognize them (American Library Association) for their support for better serving people with disabilities through the Libraries Transforming Communities grant for Small and Rural Libraries,” Coulter said. 

“These updates have created an undeniable sense of renewal and connection, reinforcing the library’s role as a vibrant hub for discovery, learning, and inclusion, where inviting, accessible spaces bring families, caregivers, and children together to explore, engage, and grow,” Coulter said.

The renovated Children’s Room is themed as a “woodland wonderland.”

“The Children’s Room has been transformed into a whimsical woodland-themed space that invites young visitors to explore, discover, and play,” Coulter said.

The revamped Children’s Room features new paint, carpeting, rugs, tree canopies and branches for “a vibrant, nature-inspired color scheme that sets the stage for adventure,” Coulter said.

The room has curved shelving and browsing boxes for young readers. Other features of the Children’s Room include new furniture and computer desks.

Pound Ridge Library Foundation co-presidents Emily Hunt Forbes and Katherine Long commented on the new features at the library. 

“Together, with the support of our generous community, the Pound Ridge Library Foundation is delighted to have been able to provide the financial support to make the important improvements to the children’s room, which has become an enchanting, functional and captivating space for all,” they said. 

“The lower-level Sensory Room provides a welcoming environment for neurodivergent individuals, their families, and all patrons,” Coulter said.  

The Sensory Room includes comfortable furniture, beanbags and soft rugs, which the library incorporated for a calming atmosphere for all library patrons, according to the library. 

Other features of the Sensory Room include a quiet environment with customizable lighting; a sensory tent and noise-canceling headphones; a tactile book collection including  touch-and-feel books and stories about individuals with developmental disabilities overcoming challenges; and sensory toys and games, as well as hand-crafted sensory tiles and bins. 

“The creation of these spaces has been a labor of love,” Coulter said. “As a parent of a child with autism, I understand the importance of creating environments where everyone feels welcome and supported. The Children’s Room and Sensory Room are designed to do just that, whether it’s through play, discovery, or relaxation.”

Coulter said the Sensory and Children’s Rooms have been very well received by the library’s patrons. 

“Since opening, the Sensory Room has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm, quickly becoming a beloved sanctuary for visitors of all ages,” Coulter said. “The cozy furnishings, plush carpets and bean bag seating, combined with gentle lighting and a muted color palette, create a soothing retreat. These elements seamlessly blend with thoughtfully curated features, such as the sensory wall tiles, which I custom-created myself, to provide a truly inclusive experience. Every detail, from the carefully selected books to the engaging toys and games, fosters an atmosphere of discovery, exploration, and belonging.”

Both parents and their children find the renovated Children’s Room an “inviting, imaginative atmosphere,” Coulter said.

The library is asking residents to support the Children’s Room by purchasing a leaf. For more information about the Pound Ridge Library Foundation, visit poundridgelibrary.org.