At Sister Libraries, we are delighted to present this wonderful activity sent to us by our colleagues from Šiauliai County Povilas Višinskis Public Library. International cooperation among libraries is essential for sharing knowledge, fostering inclusion, and expanding access to innovative practices. By working together, libraries can develop new approaches to engage diverse communities and support those with individual needs.
We are unleashing the Heroes! The Šiauliai County Povilas Višinskis Public Library (ŠAVB) is starting the activities of the international project ‘Liberating Heroes: Implementation of Sensory Reading Programs in European Public Libraries’! The project coordinator, ŠAVB, has been working for more than 6 years on the integration of people with individual needs into the services and activities offered by libraries, as well as on the implementation of sensory reading programs, training, and consulting library professionals at the national level. Additionally, at the initiative of ŠAVB, the ‘Library for All’ network was created, encompassing all Lithuanian libraries that are friendly to visitors with individual needs.
The evident benefits of sensory readings in libraries led to a natural next step – sharing the accumulated methodological and practical experience not only with Lithuanian libraries but also with European libraries (Slovenia, Ukraine, and Portugal), where the practice of sensory readings has not yet been applied. This idea received approval and support from the European Union’s ‘Creative Europe’ program, and in 2024, ŠAVB became the sole coordinator of a project funded by ‘Creative Europe’ in Lithuania.
What’s this all about?
This project introduces a sensory reading program designed not only for children with autism, but for all children – including those with mental disabilities and neurotypical children. The goal is to provide an interactive, sensory-rich storytelling environment that fosters creativity, empathy, and social inclusion.
Key Highlights:
- Inclusive Sensory Reading: Engaging children through a variety of sensory experiences – touch, sound, sight, and smell – enhancing their literary journey.
- Training for Librarians: Libraries will provide specialized training for their staff, equipping them with skills to deliver meaningful sensory reading programs.
- International Collaboration: The project brings together talented writers and illustrators from across Europe, enriching the sensory reading experience for children and families.
- Supporting Children Affected by Trauma: The project is particularly attuned to the needs of children impacted by trauma, especially those in Ukraine, helping them find solace and healing through reading.
Throughout the project, sensory reading sessions for children will be held across all participating libraries, contributing to the creation of a more inclusive, compassionate community.
This project is co-funded by the European Union under the Creative Europe programme. However, the views or opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the European Union.
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