All Aboard!: A Library for Children of All Abilities

ALL ABOARD! : A LIBRARY FOR  CHILDREN OF ALL ABILITIES

We are pleased to announce that we have been awarded a Library Services and Technology Act Grant, funded by the Institute of  Museum and Library Services*, that will allow us to launch the All Aboard! : A Library for Children of All Abilities project. This project will help us offer services and resources to children with disabilities and their families, caregivers, advocates and educators.

Beginning in October, the library will offer a monthly Saturday program called the All Aboard! Playgroup, where children of all abilities will be able to socialize and play with a variety of adaptive toys, manipulatives, sensory materials, crafts, puzzles and games. Parents and caregivers can meet with resource professionals and support each other through shared experiences. Siblings are encouraged to attend, as well!

The grant has also enabled the library to purchase a variety of materials, resources and technologies that include: an iPad loaded with apps for children with disabilities; an interactive whiteboard for use in inclusive programming; Boardmaker software, available for patrons to use in the library; videos and print books on disability-related topics; and a larger selection of audio books for children. A Parent & Professional Resource Center, located in the Children’s Room, will house a variety of resources and materials of interest to parents and caregivers of children with disabilities.

In addition, the Coventry High School Class of 1986, in memory of Kathleen Feeney, has funded a touchscreen computer which will be available in the Children’s Room. 

Autumn All Aboard! Playgroup Dates:

Saturday, October 20: 10:30-11:45 AM

Saturday, November 17: 10:30-11:45 AM

Siblings are welcome. Playgroup is open to residents of other towns. We encourage registration (to help us better serve your child’s needs). Call 742-7606 for more information. We’d love to hear from you!

*The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas.