Policy

Refer to the library's website for the full policy, rules and information for patrons, outlined on the Sensory rooms at Multnomah County Library policy page.

Sensory rooms are available at the following locations. Multiple parties may use the room at the same time. There are occupancy limits for each room: 

• Albina Library, up to 3 people - on the second floor, near the internet computers and Adult Collection
• Midland Library, up to 3 people - the sensory room is located in the Gathering Circle.
• After construction is complete: East County Library (children’s sensory room - up to 12 people, general usage sensory room - up to 12 people)

The rooms are locked. Patrons wanting to use the room should ask library staff to unlock it. There is a bell at the door to call staff to the room.

The rooms lock from the outside, not the inside, which limits access and disruptions when it is being used. Patrons using the room should not grant access to other patrons, unless they are a family member or part of their group and doing so would not exceed the room’s capacity limits. 

The spaces are designed for patrons needing a sensory space. The sensory rooms are not intended for other uses, including use as:

• a general play area,
• a social gathering space,
• a meeting room or
• a professional therapy space.

Sensory rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis during library hours. Patrons are requested to limit use to 30 minutes if others are waiting. For more limitations and rules, see the full policy. 

Additional information for staff

Policy owner: Director of Community Services
Created and approved: November 11, 2024
Link to policy on library website: Sensory rooms policy

The sensory rooms at library locations offer the community a stimulant-sensitive space for library patrons with sensory needs. The priority of these spaces are to be accessible, easy to use, and managed in a way that creates as few barriers for usage as possible. We also want to ensure the safety of patrons using this space.

Monitoring the sensory room:

• Checking on the space will be done by PICs, LSLs, contract security officers and other staff as part of their rounds of the floor
• Clear and lock the room 30 minutes before closing to allow for cleaning of the space (see below for more information on cleaning). Locations will need to assign staff to clean the space at the end of each day. Cleaning the space at closing allows for any odors or scents from the cleaning products to dissipate before the next day.   

Managing access and use of the sensory rooms:

• Staff will provide patrons with access to the sensory rooms upon request, subject to capacity limits. The key will be kept at the nearest service desk, and a spare key will be kept with the other building and room keys at the location.
• When providing the patron with access to the space, staff should let them know the following:
  • That they shouldn’t let others into the sensory room, unless they are a family member or part of their group and doing so would not exceed the room’s capacity limits. 
  • Others may use the space at the same time.
  • The patron should limit their use to 30 minutes if others are waiting, but may use the room longer if nobody else is waiting and the room is not at capacity. If the room is at capacity and a person is waiting or a group that wants to access the space would put the capacity over the limit, staff should ask patrons using the space to leave after 30 minutes to make it available for others to use.
  • When they are done using the room, they should make sure the door is closed.
• There may be times when multiple patrons are using the sensory rooms at the same time. Staff may need to provide support and guidance to avoid conflicts between patrons wanting to use the sensory rooms.
• If a conflict arises between patrons using the sensory room, consult with the PIC to discuss best approaches to addressing the issues with patrons.
• If the space is at capacity and other patrons are wanting to use the space, inform patrons using the space that they will need to leave to allow others to use the space and let them know how much time they have (we request that patrons limit use to 30 minutes). Let the patrons wanting to use the sensory room know how long the wait may be and offer other options while they wait.
• If a patron is using the sensory room for other than its intended use, including as a place for general play, social gatherings, holding a meeting or for professional therapy sessions, or talking on the phone, staff will ask the patron to relocate to another area of the library that is designed for those activities (e.g. children’s area, desk or seating area, small or medium community room). Activities that indicate that the room is  being used for other than the intended purpose of calming and regulating, include the following: caregivers chatting with each other while their children play, a person on their laptop participating in a video conference, someone chatting on their phone.
  • Staff will communicate the purpose of the room when giving patrons access to the space.
  • At all locations, staff may check in with patrons using the space and remind them of the intended use and will ask them to move to other areas of the library if they are using it for other than the intended purposes. 

If a person violates library rules in the sensory rooms, follow the regular procedures for addressing the behavior and communicate any steps the patron needs to take. 

Cleaning of sensory rooms:

• Follow cleaning guidelines shared on the equipment guide
• Use cleaning products that are fragrance free
• Clean at end of day to allow for the space to air out

For more details, see Sensory room opening, closing and cleaning routines.

Talking points for patrons inquiring about the sensory rooms:

• This space is for patrons that need the space to re-regulate to be able to effectively use the library
• Staff can assist patrons with finding a flex space or another part of the library for sitting, studying or meeting
• It is not intended as a recreation space
• Furniture and other items are to remain in the space
• If the room is in use, the children’s and teen spaces have sensory items such as fidgets and noise reducing headphones
• Food and drink are not allowed in the sensory rooms (except for dietary or medical needs) because we want to maintain clean equipment for all to use and be mindful of patrons with food allergies that may use the space.