Library to add a sensory wall
RUSSELLVILLE — Following a $3,000 donation from Valley State Bank, a sensory wall and other features will be added to the children’s room at the Russellville Public Library.
“We are so grateful for this investment in our library and our community,” said library Director Joshlyn Bowen. “Partnerships like these allow us to continue growing and providing meaningful resources and experiences for our youngest patrons.”
Bowen said the funds will also make it possible to add a six-foot sensory water tube that changes colors, creates bubbles and captures attention through its “calming and engaging visual effects.”
She said sensory items play an important role in a library setting because they “encourage imaginative play, help children develop fine motor skills and support cognitive growth.”
Bowen said for many children, especially those with sensory processing needs, such tools help by providing a way to “engage, focus and feel comfortable in their environment.”
She said other additions from the funds include tabletop learning centers, a “squish station” and a reading cube.
Bowen said the book cube will give children a special space where they can relax and enjoy reading in a “comfortable, inviting environment.”
She said the plan for the space is to have Nikki Warren, the artist who paints the murals on the library windows, “bring the space to life with a beautifully painted tree with outstretched branches.”
Bowen said the library will purchase 25 sensory wall mounts featuring a variety of interactive elements including different textures, zipper pulls, shoelaces for tying practice and other hands-on sensory components.
She said the branches will serve as the base for the sensory mounts.
Bowen said the library already offers table-top play stations, a puppet theater and a digital game table with 53 games for play and learning.
Wanda Baker, a vice president at Valley State Bank, said the bank had money earmarked for community reinvestment and that’s what lead to the donation.
“We feel this will help a lot of people,” Baker said. “We thought about the upcoming new library and wanted to do something to help the library now.”
Baker said after making contact with Bowen, they learned about the sensory components she wanted to add.
“This idea appealed to us because it’s something to help children,” she said. “Anything you can do to help the next generation is always good.”
Bowen said all the sensory components are movable and will be transferred to the new library.
