While everyone loves a good story and a peaceful place to enjoy it, not all of us have the same opportunity to achieve this. This is a problem that libraries and bookstores have been trying to remedy since their very inception. ​Beyond a place designed to fill our minds with a sense of wonder and adventure, libraries serve as inclusive spaces that provide access to social gatherings, specific resources, local news, knowledge, and community gathering. For individuals with autism, however, libraries, while enriching, can also be entirely overwhelming. However, we are lucky to live in a city as diverse and inclusive as Toronto, where equal accessibility is valued. In this way, there are many libraries in the city that have incorporated features to create autism-friendly environments. 

Here are ten ways libraries support patrons with autism in Toronto, along with examples of local libraries that embody these practices. 

1. Flexible Library Policies

Fascination can be a beautiful thing. It’s one of the reasons that we have libraries in the first place—so you can dive deep into any topic near and dear to your heart, and pursue it with unbridled passion. Individuals with autism often have intense special interests that can often take them to a deeper level of absorption and comprehension. However, this takes more time with the material. Many libraries in Toronto get this, so they offer extended borrowing periods for individuals with autism. They also want to take the stress out of the process as much as they can for new readers, as well as those with varying needs, so many Toronto libraries will offer forgiveness programs for overdue books. So if you have enough schedules in your calendar already, the Albert Campbell Branch has implemented such accommodating policies to provide patrons and their caregivers a little peace of mind. 

2. Quiet Hours And Special Access Times

Just when you thought the quietest place in the city couldn’t get any more mellow, Toronto libraries have taken it to the next level for individuals with autism. You don’t need to look far for local libraries that introduce quiet hours, during which noise levels are minimized. During these sessions, staff adjust interactions to accommodate sensory needs. It’s not uncommon for some Toronto libraries to also offer exclusive visiting hours for autistic patrons and their families. For instance, the Barbara Frum Branch schedules quiet hours to support sensory-sensitive visitors.​

3. Assistive Technology And Communication Supports

If you have a child with autism, it can get expensive if you want to get them every new piece of tech, even if it’s just to try it out for the first time. This is where the local library can be a big help. Many libraries in Toronto provide access to assistive technology, such as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, text-to-speech software, and fidget tools. These are used to support patrons with varying needs. Libraries can also offer communication boards at service desks to facilitate interactions. If you are in the neighbourhood, the Brentwood Branch offers a range of assistive technologies for patron use.​

4. Sensory-Friendly Spaces

Most libraries around the world are not really known for their state-of-the-art overhead lighting. This is too bad, because dangling, crackling fluorescents can be hard on the eyes and far too bright for patrons with autism. So before heading out, look for libraries with designated quiet zones or sensory-friendly areas with comfortable seating, dimmed lighting, and even noise-reducing headphones for individuals with autism. These spaces allow patrons with autism to read, study, or relax without sensory overload. For instance, the Toronto Reference Library offers various seating options and quiet study areas.​

5. Adaptive Library Programs

If you have a child that loves to be read to, but finds that the bustle of public spaces too much to handle, there are places you can go. There are several Toronto libraries that have developed specialized programs such as sensory storytime, where books are read in a quiet setting with tactile activities. There are staff that can engage your child in interactive storytelling with visual aids and movement-based activities—all of this designed to cater to different sensory preferences. For example, the Lillian H. Smith Branch is known for its inclusive children’s programming.​

6. Staff Training On Autism Awareness

With autism awareness becoming more and more prevalent, many community resources are evolving to be more inclusive and accommodating to individuals with autism. For example, it’s not uncommon for many library staff to receive training on autism awareness and communication strategies. They are taught to be patient and understanding of the needs of autistic patrons—such as how to handle sensory sensitivities, eye contact, and non-verbal communication. With everyone on the same page (or pages) a library can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment. Take the Bloor/Gladstone Branch for example, it puts a strong emphasis on staff development in this area.​

7. Visual Schedules And Signage

Most individuals with autism are visual learners that like to know what is going to happen, and when, and have a full understanding of the order of events before feeling comfortable in their environment. Many libraries in Toronto try to accommodate this thirst for understanding. It’s not unusual to see clear visual schedules and signage. This is in place to help autistic patrons like your child navigate the library with ease. If you look near the front counter, you will find that most libraries have posted step-by-step guides with pictures to explain the checkout process, how to request assistance, and the library rules. To take visual assistance to the next level, the North York Central Library even provides user-friendly maps and guides for patrons with autism. 

8. Social Skills and Life Skills Workshops

There is so much to learn beyond the pages of the books themselves. Look to your local libraries to host workshops that teach independent living skills, social skills, or job-readiness training for individuals with autism. Sessions on topics like resume building, budgeting, or navigating public transportation can be highly beneficial. The Cedarbrae Branch offers programs focused on life skills development.​ Note, we also offer many workshops like this at Monarch House. 

9. Community Partnerships and Resources

A library is a place to meet other likeminded individuals going through the same challenges as you. It’s a good place to start, and collaborate with, autism advocacy groups and organizations. Many Toronto libraries have resources for this that you wouldn’t expect and can offer specialized services. Look no further than a library’s community posting boards to find information on local autism-friendly support groups, events, and professional services. The Dawes Road Branch, for instance, actively partners with community organizations and advocates.

10. Inclusive Library Collections

Inclusivity and encouraging diversity have been the mainstay of most libraries since the very beginning. Like Monarch House, everyone is accepted for who they are, and there is an overarching sense of ‘You Belong’ at a library. As a part of that umbrella of acceptance, many library collections now specifically include books and media that feature autistic characters and experiences. This helps to promote representation and understanding. It’s now also common policy for most libraries to curate resources for parents, caregivers, educators, and therapists working with individuals with neurodivergence. The Yorkville Branch is a great choice to find an inclusive collection that reflects diverse experiences.​

One of the advantages of living in a city as cosmopolitan as ours is that you can find all these resources listed above with just a little legwork. Before embarking on your quest for new knowledge, we can help you seek out the libraries in Toronto that foster a welcoming and accessible environment for patrons with autism. At Monarch House we have a professional, interdisciplinary staff of occupational therapists, behavioural therapists, psychotherapists, and speech pathologists that are here to help with everything that goes into this new adventure, from how to ride public transit, to how to plan ahead for an excursion when you have a child with autism. A commitment to inclusivity ensures that libraries remain places where everyone (including people with autism in Toronto) can engage, learn, and thrive.​