SEND community in Warwickshire asked to help shape UK’s first mobile sensory public library

The vehicle will visit a selection of schools and community locations across Warwickshire.

Warwickshire County Council’s Libraries Service is reaching out to the families of children and young people with SEND as they are making the final touches to a specially adapted mobile library.

The Discovery Den will be the UK’s first mobile sensory public library. 

It will be a fully equipped, accessible, environmentally-friendly electric vehicle, housing a small interactive sensory space for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities.  

The vehicle will visit a selection of schools and community locations across Warwickshire offering sensory space for small group use, a custom book selection and sensory equipment for loan.  

In order to create the best space possible Warwickshire Libraries are seeking input from children/young people with SEND, their parents/carers, and professionals who support people with SEND about the sensory equipment which will be installed in the vehicle.

Cllr Mike Bannister, portfolio holder for customer and localities, said: “The most efficient way to provide the best service that meets needs is to ask the people who will be using it what they want. So, we are asking our families and young people to tell us what we should be including in the final version of the den.

“We would also be very grateful if you could take a little extra time to tell us about whether you use your local library and any feedback you have to offer us.“