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G2S Project Code: 2020-NC-84569
State: North Carolina
Fiscal Year: 2020
Grantee
IREDELL COUNTY LIBRARY

Project Director
Director Name: Amanda Cain
Director Phone: 704-878-3090
Director Email: amanda.cain@co.iredell.nc.us
General Information
Title: Sensory Storytime
State Project Code: NC-20-20
Start Date: 07/01/2020
End Date: 09/30/2021
Abstract: The Iredell County Public Library created sensory storytime kits for children on the autism spectrum and/or with sensory processing issues. By partnering with the Iredell County Partnership for Young Children, staff received training and tips on best practices for sensory storytime. When we are able to resume in-person programming, this sensory storytime will include early literacy elements that are part of a more traditional storytime, but materials will be presented in a manner and environment that makes children and parents feel secure, at ease, and welcomed. The sensory kits are available for any patron to check out.

State Goal: Expanding Access
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$11,096.84
$0.00
$1,200.00
$12,296.84
Intent(s)
Improve users’ ability to discover information resources.
Health & Wellness
Early Literacy
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Sensory Kits and Storytime
Narrative: The Iredell County Public Library created twenty-six Sensory Kits that are available to any patron for check out. They are designed to enhance fine and gross motor skills, relieve stress, promote early literacy skills, and explore and experience tactile and sensory interactions. They are available to patrons of all ages and each contain a variety of items to explore. The Iredell County Public Library also purchased furniture and supplies to be used in our new monthly Sensory Storytime. This storytime will focus on early literacy skills, sensory interactions, fine and gross motor skills and social interaction. Due to COVID-19 modifications, the ICPL was unable to start this new program during the grant cycle.
Intent: Improve users’ ability to discover information resources.

Activity: Content
Mode: Creation
Format: Physical


Quantity
Number of items digitized: 0
Number of items digitized and available to the public: 0
Number of physical items: 0
Number of open-source applications/software/systems: 0
Number of proprietary applications/software/systems: 0
Number of learning resources (e.g. toolkits, guides): 26
Number of plans/frameworks: 0


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: IREDELL COUNTY LIBRARY
Address: 201 N TRADD ST
City: STATESVILLE
State: NC
Zip: 28677
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
A planned output that was interrupted due to COVID-19 is the actual storytime itself. When the grant was awarded, the Iredell County Public Library was already operating under a modified schedule that included the discontinuation of in-person programming. Storytime had to be put on hold until the library reinstates in-person programming in September of 2021. Because of this, we were given permission to revise our original budget and create more kits vs. purchasing sensory objects/furniture that we would struggle to keep sanitized.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
The creation of the sensory kits, the training we have received on Sensory Storytime best practices, and the research we have conducted while preparing the kits has been helpful in our planning of Sensory Storytime. We are also now aware that during the stressful times of COVID-19, and for life in general, people of all ages and abilities need some type of stress and anxiety relief to help them cope. These kits seem to fit that need perfectly. The library will continue to loan out the kits and adjust and replace items as needed. There are new items that we plan to add.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
The amount of items that were included in our kits is too much. Several parents offered the feedback that the kits were too overwhelming for their children. Make sure all staff has an opportunity to play with and learn the benefits of the toys/manipulatives. This will help with word of mouth advertising and give your staff a chance to play and learn. Even with the full understanding that we were in the midst of a global pandemic and we made a conscious effort to order items that were easy to clean, there were still issues with some items being returned unusable. Our recommendation would be to have a firm policy in place for cleaning/quarantine before you start loaning out your kits.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
No
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
No
Explain:

Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: Sensory, Literacy