On June 9, the library will hold an open house for its Sensory Room, located on the second floor in its children’s library.

According to Executive Director Saverio Provenzano, sensory rooms in libraries are “on the cusp of all library sciences” at the moment.

Many libraries in other areas, including public, community libraries and even those at colleges and universities have begun to set up these spaces.

A peer-reviewed study completed by Montana State University librarians Jacqueline L. Frank and Jennifer Pawlak noted, “these environments give users an opportunity to engage with various interactive and creative elements, textures, and/or visual stimuli in a controlled manner, helping them reduce stress.”

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS The Sensory Room at The Ross Library includes two light up tables. Miss Kayla noted those using the flat light up table can place translucent blocks, letters and numbers, seen at left in this photo, to enhance the educational experience.

The study, titled “Making Room for Everyone: A Practical Guide to Creating Sensory Spaces in Libraries” published at creativelibrarypractice.org, added these spaces not only are helpful for the neurodivergent community, but for anyone who needs to manage stress in a healthy manner.

Provenzano said the creation of a sensory room at the Ross Library began last year under the previous youth services coordinator.

“When she told the board she wanted one, they jumped whole heartedly into it,” he said.

The library held a fundraising Bingo at KBR Bingo and More which helped raise $3,000 towards the project.

Between this generous community support and other creative methods, the sensory room was completed under the direction of Youth Services Coordinator Miss. Kayla.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS The Ross Library’s Sensory Room features a variety of items for those of all ages to enjoy.

Provenzo said Miss. Kayla started in her role at the children’s library on Sept. 15 and got to work transforming a storage room on the second floor into a space for the sensory room.

“Miss. Kayla and her mom were instrumental in creating this space along with the board’s fundraising chair, Rona Houser,” he said.

The space can fit about four people, with users expected to sign up for time slots. Provenzo noted, though the space is located in the children’s library, its use isn’t limited to just youngsters. He added kids should be accompanied by an adult.

The room features two light up tables, one which letters, numbers and other toys can be placed on; a touch table that changes colors; various comfortable chairs, blocks, stuffed animals, instruments and more.

Provenzo said all the items in the room are meant to stimulate one of your five senses.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS The Ross Library’s children’s library is gearing up for its summer reading program, Dig Into Reading. Miss Kayla said she has crocheted a number of stuffed dinosaurs, pictured surrounding this dinosaur-themed book, which will be available for adoption throughout the library beginning in late June.

“It runs the full gamut of a sensory room,” he said.

Miss. Kayla said the majority of the items in the room were either donated or purchased with donated funds, with some even found inside the room when it was used as storage.

“The room was packed full to the ceiling with craft supplies, games and other items,” she said.

She told The Express when she designed the room, she kept in mind the importance of spotlighting your senses.

“It’s all interactive, from the toys to the light table and more,” she said. “Everything is to create a fun and calming environment.”

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS The Sensory Room, features interactive items for touch, including this caterpillar along with the light-up hexagons.

This includes a spinning chair for regulation, a special chair that can be closed if a child needs a quiet moment to themselves and more.

“It’s geared to all ages and abilities,” she said.

Provenzo said the goal of the room is to help expand services at the library.

“The library is a space for everyone and we want to continue to serve that mission,” he said.

He also offered a big thanks to those who helped make the room a success.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS The Ross Library’s Sensory Room includes toys such as stuffed animals, instruments and puzzles like those pictured above.

“I really want to thank the community that came out to support this and other initiatives,” he said.

Those interested in viewing the sensory room will have a chance on Tuesday, June 9 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Provenzo said the community is invited to tour the room and meet him, as he’s about to complete his fifth month in his role as executive director.

The sensory room tour isn’t the only event happening in June.

Miss. Kayla said the library will kick off its summer reading program, Unearth a Story, with a kick off planned for June 20 from noon to 3 p.m. on the patio.

The event will feature music, the chance to sign up for the program, a visit from princesses Arielle and Rapunzul and more.

Miss. Kayla explained the program will center around all things earth, from dinosaurs and fossils, gems, dirt, plants and more. She already has planned visits from a paleontologist, reptiles and a special gem digging program sponsored by Addie’s Inc.

Kids who take part in the program will receive a ticket to enter a drawing for prizes. And those who visit the children’s library will want to keep an eye out… Miss. Kayla has been crocheting little, colorful dinosaurs that you can adopt.

“We’re ready for summer reading,” she said.

Miss. Kayla also noted kids can take part in regular story times at the library each week in the Gould Room.

The room has been reorganized and revamped to allow for more play space and room at story times.

She added it can be rented out for parties, with the option of $40 for just the space or $60 if you’d like her to plan a story time and craft.

Miss. Kayla credits the community and its support for the space being what it is. She pointed to a very popular Lego table, which was donated by a community member.

“The community gives to us and we want to give back to the community,” she said.

To learn more about children’s events at the library, visit rosslibrary.org.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Though the Sensory Room is its newest addition, the children’s library has seen some changes to its Gould Room. Thanks to donations from the community, like this Lego table, there’s lots for kids to do.