John McIntire Library will host their first accessible browsing hours

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The John McIntire Library will be opening an hour earlier one day next week to try out something they’ve never done before.

On Tuesday, September 25th, they will open their doors at 8:30 a.m. to have their first accessible browsing hours. Sean Fennell, the Marketing and Community Relations Director, said they’re hoping to reach a new segment of their population that maybe otherwise wouldn’t be able to access the library.

“This is for individuals who have sensory sensitivities or on the Autism spectrum to create a more calming environment for them to be able to enjoy and utilize the library with their needs specifically in mind,” said Fennell.

The same day at 8:45 a.m., they will also be having a sensory story time for children ages 2 to 7 who are on the Autism spectrum or who have sensory sensitivity.

“Well one thing that we’re going to be doing is we’re going to be making sure that the lights are a little bit lower, the computers will be off, the general business of the library will be a little bit less at that time because it’s a time that we’re not usually open,” explained Fennell.

Registration is required for the sensory story time – you can find that online at muskingumlibrary.org. Fennell said everyone is invited to explore the accessible browsing hours – he just asks that you keep in mind they are expecting a quieter and more calm time.