The City Library is proud to have supported Autism Acceptance Month. A display on the First Floor of the Central Library has showcased autistic authors and protagonists as well as a selection of supportive resources for whānau and the wider community.
For the third year in a row, Te Pātikitiki Library participated in the Nationwide Quiet Hour on Wednesday 29th April from 10am-11am. 'Hoods Up, Volume Down' is an opportunity to show support for Aotearoa's Autistic community by removing some of the barriers that can make it more difficult for someone with sensory sensitivities to navigate public spaces.
If you or someone you know may find a low sensory session helpful, details of Te Pātikitiki library's weekly 'Quiet Time' can be found here.
On Thursday 30th April, the Central Library will host a Sensory Backpack Play Session. Drop in anytime from 1-2pm to explore the contents of the new sensory backpacks. You can also meet the Outreach Coordinator for Autism New Zealand and bring along any questions you may have.
Designed to support young people with sensory needs to feel more comfortable when visiting library spaces, the backpacks contain a location-specific guide and various items to help with communication and self-regulation.
Sensory backpacks will be available for use within the library on a trial basis at the Central Library Main Desk from Friday May 1st and Te Pātikitiki Library from Monday May 4th.
They can be issued to the library card of an adult caregiver.
At the recent Parliamentary Breakfast for World Autism Acceptance Day, Joanne Dacombe, Chairperson for Autism New Zealand, shared a powerful speech which ended with these words:
"So today, let us not only affirm that every life has value - let us act like it. Let it be more than a theme, let it be a promise.
Let us build systems that reflect dignity. Communities that embrace difference and provide support. And policies that enable every person to belong and thrive.
Because autism is part of humanity. And humanity is stronger when every life is valued."
Please contact the Outreach Coordinator if you have feedback about the Sensory Backpack trial: pncl@pncc.govt.nz
