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Sensory Room

All children are welcome at the library!

Our Sensory Room is located at the S. Walter Stewart branch. This unique space was created with children with sensory processing needs in mind. It is also open to all children, aged birth to 12 years, to use with their parents or caregivers.

The Sensory Room is a self-serve, child-led interactive space. Adult supervision is required. Explore this space together with your child.

The room is only available by booking. To book the Sensory Room for a 15 to 60 minute session during regular branch hours, call 416-396-3975 or ask at the Children’s Desk at S. Walter Stewart branch. Bookings can be made on the same day or up to one week in advance. We look forward to welcoming you!

Help us improve our space in the future with a short survey.

Features of the Sensory Room

The Sensory Room is designed to engage and delight the senses, stimulate reactions and development, support-self regulation, and encourage communication.

Image projector

Projected images stimulate the visual sense. They offer opportunities for object, shape, and colour recognition.

Fibre optic wall carpet

Black acrylic wall carpet features glowing pins of light. There is no heat or electricity so it is safe for children to touch.

Rainbow air tube

This column of light slowly cycles through different colours.

Tactile elements

Tactile circles on the wall provide ways to explore texture, colour, and sound.

Mirrors

Acrylic mirrors allow children to take in a small view of the room to help control their sensory input.

Magic circles

Three heat sensitive surfaces change colour with the touch of your hand.

Balancing and rocking equipment

Kids can explore their sense of equilibrium.

Somacoustic cushion

Bluetooth-enabled cushion in the podiums amplifies musical vibrations so you can feel them in the body.

Tip: You can select your own music and adjust the volume. Just connect to SHAIBANG using Bluetooth on your phone or other device. The music is muffled because it is not a speaker system; it is a way to feel the sound vibrations in the body. Please remember to disconnect your Bluetooth when you leave.

Custom mural

This constant image helps soothe children. It provides a predictable, unchanging point of focus.

Soft seating

A variety of seating options, including a bean bag and squishy and firm foam surfaces.

Adjustable blinds and dimmable lights

Visitors can adjust the lighting in the room to suit their needs.

We want to hear from you!

Toronto Public Library is committed to creating spaces that are welcoming and inclusive. Tell us about your experience of the Sensory Room at S. Walter Stewart and help us improve our spaces in the future. After your visit, please answer our short six question survey, linked below:

Support

In loving memory of Jae Blue, the Sensory Room is the first of its kind at Toronto Public Library and was made possible through the generous support of Jae’s family and friends.

Additional resources

Check out our other resources for families and children:

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