Youth sensory kits for ages birth to 12, with ear protection, sunglasses and visual timers, at the Help Desk of all 19 Pierce County Libraries for use inside the library, plus Playful Connections, a sensory play time with a short story at the end, at the South Hill library on the dates below.
Each library posts its own hours on the Locations & Hours page. South Hill: Monday to Thursday 10 am to 7 pm, Friday to Sunday 10 am to 6 pm. South Hill is closed Thanksgiving (Nov. 26, 2026), the day after Thanksgiving (Nov. 27, 2026), Christmas Eve (Dec. 24, 2026) and Christmas Day (Dec. 25, 2026).
19 Pierce County Libraries; youth sensory kits at all of them. Playful Connections: South Hill Pierce County Library, 15420 Meridian E., South Hill, WA 98375. Administrative Center: 3005 112th St. E., Tacoma, WA 98446.
“The sensory kits are geared toward ages birth-12 years old, and include items such as puppy lap pads, ear protection, sunglasses, sensory windows, emotion poppers, visual timers and other items.”
“The kits can be requested at the Help Desk of any Pierce County Library and are available for in-library use only.”
“The kits are available for children to use during library visits to support a more inclusive experience.”
The kits are at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Their items are based on recommendations from the University of Washington's Autism-Ready Libraries initiative.
Playful Connections is run with A Step Ahead in Pierce County, a local nonprofit that supports families of children with disabilities and developmental differences. A Step Ahead specialists are there throughout the program.
Library staff work directly with the public to provide access to library programs, services and activities when a person with disabilities meets a barrier. To tell the library about a technology-based barrier, call Staff Experience Director Chereé Green at 253-548-3354.
Youth sensory kits for ages birth to 12 at the Help Desk of all 19 libraries, for use inside the library only.
Playful Connections at the South Hill library: drop-in sensory play best suited for kids 0 to 5 and their caregivers, with a short story time at the end (dates on the cards).
Each library posts its own hours, and South Hill is closed Thanksgiving, the day after, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Accessibility features at Pierce County libraries include designated parking spots and curb ramps, automatic entry doors with required clearance, and accessible restrooms.
Library rules: the care, safety and behavior of a child at the library rest with the parent, legal guardian or designated caregiver. The Library Rules of Conduct list behaviors that aren't allowed, including loud talking or disruptive physical behavior and eating or drinking in a way that is disruptive.
South Hill Library: 253-548-3303. Administrative Center: 253-548-3300 (Washington Relay TTY: 711).
