Sensory kits at all 26 branches and the Central Library's Children's Center for in-library use, an interactive sensory wall in the Northeast Branch children's area, and sensory friendly story times and music on the dates below.
Sensory supports. Sensory kits at every branch, Northeast sensory wall.
Hours
Each location posts its own hours. Central Library: Monday 10 am to 6 pm, Tuesday to Thursday 10 am to 8 pm, Friday to Sunday 10 am to 6 pm. Northeast Branch: Monday and Tuesday 10 am to 6 pm, Wednesday and Thursday 10 am to 8 pm, Friday to Sunday 10 am to 6 pm. All locations close on the holidays listed on the library's Holidays & Closures page; the next are Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Seattle, WA 98104. Northeast Branch (sensory wall), 6801 35th Ave. N.E., Seattle, WA 98115. Sensory kits are at all 26 branches.
“Sensory kits are available at all 26 library branches and the Central Library’s Children’s Center for in-library use only.”
“Sensory kits are for everyone, regardless of age or medical diagnosis.”
“We recognize that the bright lights, noise, and busyness of library spaces can sometimes be overwhelming or uncomfortable, especially for younger visitors.”
“Ask staff for a kit during your visit.”
“It provides a safe place for young people to regulate their own sensory input, creating an opportunity for calm or focus while visiting the often-busy children’s area.” spl.org (Northeast Branch sensory wall)
Each kit includes calming items, fidget items and communication tools, such as noise-reducing earmuffs and sunglasses, fidget items, magnetic drawing boards, visual timers and moving art, and a weighted stuffed animal.
The Northeast Branch sensory wall has sound, touch and visual elements, and the branch also has activity stations that guide children through body movements. The wall is optimized for children who are neurodivergent, and it supports all young children.
Every branch also has an Accessibility Toolkit, a separate service with assistive devices for blind and low vision patrons.
For an accommodation at the library or at a library event, use the library's Request an Accommodation form, email leap@spl.org, call 206-615-1380 (V/TTY) or use Ask Us. For events, the library asks you to contact LEAP at least seven days before.
Library events are free and open to everyone. To find more sensory events, search for sensory on the library's event calendar.
Northeast Branch children's area (often busy)not stated
Northeast Branch study rooms (not fully enclosed, and sound may travel)not stated
Quieter, in the library's words
Northeast Branch sensory wall, in the children's area (for calm or focus)quiet zone
Quiet rooms listed at the Ballard, Beacon Hill, Broadview and Northeast branches, and a quiet space at Northgatequiet zone
Northeast Branch: free parking; the ADA parking spot is at the north end of the lot next to the ramp; bike rack on the south side; accessible by bus and light rail. Phone 206-684-7539.
Central Library: paid underground parking. A designated eating area is on Level 3 near the Fifth Avenue entrance. Phone 206-386-4636.
Every location has designated ADA parking spaces, automatic doors at main entrances and elevator access to all levels.
Food and drinks: drinks in lidded containers anywhere; food in meeting rooms, auditoriums, designated spaces and at special events. Infants may be nursed or fed from bottles in any area.
Questions: Ask Us (chat, email or phone during open hours) or 206-386-4636.
