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Getting ready for Story Time for the Spectrum at DC Public Library.

Sensory-friendly story times for kids of all abilities, especially kids on the autism spectrum, at the MLK Library and neighborhood libraries, plus a LEGO club for ages 8 to 12 and a quiet after-school study lounge. Kids can move around the room or use AAC devices. The dates are on the cards below.

Jump to the plan ↓

Sensory supports. Story Time for the Spectrum, move or use AAC, register.

Hours

MLK Library: Monday to Thursday 9:30 am to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, Sunday 1 to 5 pm. Cleveland Park, Chevy Chase, Lamond-Riggs and Tenley-Friendship: Monday to Wednesday 9 am to 8 pm, Thursday 12 to 8 pm, Friday and Saturday 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday 1 to 5 pm. All locations are closed Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 26, 2026), Dec. 24, Christmas Day, Dec. 31, New Year's Day, Sunday Mar. 28, 2027, Friday Apr. 30, 2027 (staff training) and Memorial Day, with more 2027 closings on the library's Holidays and Closings page. On Wed. Nov. 25, 2026, neighborhood libraries are open 9 am to 3 pm and the MLK Library 9:30 am to 3 pm. On some holidays, such as MLK Day, Presidents Day and Emancipation Day (Apr. 16, 2027), only one library in each ward is open, including the MLK Library (9:30 am to 5:30 pm) and Tenley-Friendship (9 am to 5 pm).

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20001; programs also at Cleveland Park (3310 Connecticut Ave. NW), Chevy Chase (5625 Connecticut Ave. NW), Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff (5401 South Dakota Ave. NE) and Tenley-Friendship (4450 Wisconsin Ave. NW)

Call
Afternoon Story Time for the Spectrum, MLK Library, DC Public Library, 3:30 to 4 pm. Sensory-friendly story time in the Children's Amphitheatre at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW: a story, songs and dancing, for kids of all abilities, especially kids on the autism spectrum. Kids and grown-ups can join in the ways that work best for them, like moving around the room or using AAC devices. Designed for ages 2 to 7; children of all ages are welcome with a caregiver. Questions: DCPLaccess@dc.gov or 202-727-2142. Online registration is recommended, as space is limited..Sensory Friendly Study Lounge, Tenley-Friendship Library, DC Public Library, 4 to 5 pm. An after-school quiet space in the Children's Story Time room at Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library, 4450 Wisconsin Ave. NW, for more relaxed reading, studying, coloring or another calming activity. Best for children ages 5 to 12; children 8 and under must be with a caregiver. Tenley-Friendship: tenleylibrary@dc.gov, 202-727-1488..Spectrum Friends Library Club, Lamond-Riggs Library, DC Public Library, 3:30 to 4:25 pm. At Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Neighborhood Library, 5401 South Dakota Ave. NE: building LEGO, making art and reading together in a sensory-friendly space, for kids ages 8 to 12, especially kids on the autism spectrum. Kids are encouraged to take part in the way that works best for them. Questions: DCPLaccess@dc.gov or 202-727-2142. Registration is required, as space is limited..Story Time for the Spectrum, Cleveland Park Library, DC Public Library, 10:30 to 11:30 am. In the First Floor Meeting Room at Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library, 3310 Connecticut Ave. NW: a story, songs and dancing. Kids and grown-ups can join in the ways that work best for them, like moving around the room, sign language or AAC devices. Designed for ages 0 to 5; children of all ages are welcome with a caregiver. Let the library know about any accommodations that would help: dcplaccess@dc.gov. Online registration is required, as space is limited..Afternoon Story Time for the Spectrum, MLK Library, DC Public Library, 3:30 to 4 pm. Sensory-friendly story time in the Children's Amphitheatre at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW: a story, songs and dancing, for kids of all abilities, especially kids on the autism spectrum. Kids and grown-ups can join in the ways that work best for them, like moving around the room or using AAC devices. Designed for ages 2 to 7; children of all ages are welcome with a caregiver. Questions: DCPLaccess@dc.gov or 202-727-2142. Online registration is recommended, as space is limited..Afternoon Story Time for the Spectrum, MLK Library, DC Public Library, 4 to 4:30 pm. Sensory-friendly story time in the Children's Amphitheatre at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW: a story, songs and dancing, for kids of all abilities, especially kids on the autism spectrum. Kids and grown-ups can join in the ways that work best for them, like moving around the room or using AAC devices. Designed for ages 2 to 7; children of all ages are welcome with a caregiver. Questions: DCPLaccess@dc.gov or 202-727-2142. Online registration is recommended, as space is limited..Story Time for the Spectrum, Chevy Chase Library, DC Public Library, 10:30 to 11 am. Sensory-friendly story time in Meeting Room 1 at Chevy Chase Neighborhood Library, 5625 Connecticut Ave. NW, with a winter theme: a story, songs and dancing for kids of all abilities, especially kids on the autism spectrum. Kids and grown-ups can join in the ways that work best for them, like moving around the room or using AAC devices. Designed for ages 2 to 8; children of all ages are welcome with a caregiver. Questions: DCPLaccess@dc.gov or 202-727-2142. Online registration is required, as space is limited..Afternoon Story Time for the Spectrum, MLK Library, DC Public Library, 4 to 4:30 pm. Sensory-friendly story time in the Children's Amphitheatre at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW: a story, songs and dancing, for kids of all abilities, especially kids on the autism spectrum. Kids and grown-ups can join in the ways that work best for them, like moving around the room or using AAC devices. Designed for ages 2 to 7; children of all ages are welcome with a caregiver. Questions: DCPLaccess@dc.gov or 202-727-2142. Online registration is recommended, as space is limited..Story Time for the Spectrum, Cleveland Park Library, DC Public Library, 10:30 to 11:30 am. In the First Floor Meeting Room at Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library, 3310 Connecticut Ave. NW: a story, songs and dancing. Kids and grown-ups can join in the ways that work best for them, like moving around the room, sign language or AAC devices. Designed for ages 0 to 5; children of all ages are welcome with a caregiver. Let the library know about any accommodations that would help: dcplaccess@dc.gov. Online registration is required, as space is limited..Afternoon Story Time for the Spectrum, MLK Library, DC Public Library, 3:30 to 4 pm. Sensory-friendly story time in the Children's Amphitheatre at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW: a story, songs and dancing, for kids of all abilities, especially kids on the autism spectrum. Kids and grown-ups can join in the ways that work best for them, like moving around the room or using AAC devices. Designed for ages 2 to 7; children of all ages are welcome with a caregiver. Questions: DCPLaccess@dc.gov or 202-727-2142. Online registration is recommended, as space is limited..Afternoon Story Time for the Spectrum, MLK Library, DC Public Library, 3:30 to 4 pm. Sensory-friendly story time in the Children's Amphitheatre at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW: a story, songs and dancing, for kids of all abilities, especially kids on the autism spectrum. Kids and grown-ups can join in the ways that work best for them, like moving around the room or using AAC devices. Designed for ages 2 to 7; children of all ages are welcome with a caregiver. Questions: DCPLaccess@dc.gov or 202-727-2142. Online registration is recommended, as space is limited..Afternoon Story Time for the Spectrum, MLK Library, DC Public Library, 3:30 to 4 pm. Sensory-friendly story time in the Children's Amphitheatre at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW: a story, songs and dancing, for kids of all abilities, especially kids on the autism spectrum. Kids and grown-ups can join in the ways that work best for them, like moving around the room or using AAC devices. Designed for ages 2 to 7; children of all ages are welcome with a caregiver. Questions: DCPLaccess@dc.gov or 202-727-2142. Online registration is recommended, as space is limited..Afternoon Story Time for the Spectrum, MLK Library, DC Public Library, 3:30 to 4 pm. Sensory-friendly story time in the Children's Amphitheatre at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW: a story, songs and dancing, for kids of all abilities, especially kids on the autism spectrum. Kids and grown-ups can join in the ways that work best for them, like moving around the room or using AAC devices. Designed for ages 2 to 7; children of all ages are welcome with a caregiver. Questions: DCPLaccess@dc.gov or 202-727-2142. Online registration is recommended, as space is limited..Afternoon Story Time for the Spectrum, MLK Library, DC Public Library, 3:30 to 4 pm. Sensory-friendly story time in the Children's Amphitheatre at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW: a story, songs and dancing, for kids of all abilities, especially kids on the autism spectrum. Kids and grown-ups can join in the ways that work best for them, like moving around the room or using AAC devices. Designed for ages 2 to 7; children of all ages are welcome with a caregiver. Questions: DCPLaccess@dc.gov or 202-727-2142. This date is a library holiday: the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library is open 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, and the Center for Accessibility is closed. Online registration is recommended, as space is limited..Afternoon Story Time for the Spectrum, MLK Library, DC Public Library, 3:30 to 4 pm. Sensory-friendly story time in the Children's Amphitheatre at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW: a story, songs and dancing, for kids of all abilities, especially kids on the autism spectrum. Kids and grown-ups can join in the ways that work best for them, like moving around the room or using AAC devices. Designed for ages 2 to 7; children of all ages are welcome with a caregiver. Questions: DCPLaccess@dc.gov or 202-727-2142. Online registration is recommended, as space is limited..Story Time for the Spectrum, Cleveland Park Library, DC Public Library, 10:30 to 11:30 am. In the First Floor Meeting Room at Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library, 3310 Connecticut Ave. NW: a story, songs and dancing. Kids and grown-ups can join in the ways that work best for them, like moving around the room, sign language or AAC devices. Designed for ages 0 to 5; children of all ages are welcome with a caregiver. Let the library know about any accommodations that would help: dcplaccess@dc.gov. Online registration is required, as space is limited..Afternoon Story Time for the Spectrum, MLK Library, DC Public Library, 3:30 to 4 pm. Sensory-friendly story time in the Children's Amphitheatre at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW: a story, songs and dancing, for kids of all abilities, especially kids on the autism spectrum. Kids and grown-ups can join in the ways that work best for them, like moving around the room or using AAC devices. Designed for ages 2 to 7; children of all ages are welcome with a caregiver. Questions: DCPLaccess@dc.gov or 202-727-2142. Online registration is recommended, as space is limited..Afternoon Story Time for the Spectrum, MLK Library, DC Public Library, 3:30 to 4 pm. Sensory-friendly story time in the Children's Amphitheatre at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW: a story, songs and dancing, for kids of all abilities, especially kids on the autism spectrum. Kids and grown-ups can join in the ways that work best for them, like moving around the room or using AAC devices. Designed for ages 2 to 7; children of all ages are welcome with a caregiver. Questions: DCPLaccess@dc.gov or 202-727-2142. Online registration is recommended, as space is limited..Afternoon Story Time for the Spectrum, MLK Library, DC Public Library, 3:30 to 4 pm. Sensory-friendly story time in the Children's Amphitheatre at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW: a story, songs and dancing, for kids of all abilities, especially kids on the autism spectrum. Kids and grown-ups can join in the ways that work best for them, like moving around the room or using AAC devices. Designed for ages 2 to 7; children of all ages are welcome with a caregiver. Questions: DCPLaccess@dc.gov or 202-727-2142. This date is a library holiday: the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library is open 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, and the Center for Accessibility is closed. Online registration is recommended, as space is limited..Afternoon Story Time for the Spectrum, MLK Library, DC Public Library, 3:30 to 4 pm. Sensory-friendly story time in the Children's Amphitheatre at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW: a story, songs and dancing, for kids of all abilities, especially kids on the autism spectrum. Kids and grown-ups can join in the ways that work best for them, like moving around the room or using AAC devices. Designed for ages 2 to 7; children of all ages are welcome with a caregiver. Questions: DCPLaccess@dc.gov or 202-727-2142. Online registration is recommended, as space is limited..Story Time for the Spectrum, Cleveland Park Library, DC Public Library, 10:30 to 11:30 am. In the First Floor Meeting Room at Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library, 3310 Connecticut Ave. NW: a story, songs and dancing. Kids and grown-ups can join in the ways that work best for them, like moving around the room, sign language or AAC devices. Designed for ages 0 to 5; children of all ages are welcome with a caregiver. Let the library know about any accommodations that would help: dcplaccess@dc.gov. Online registration is required, as space is limited..Story Time for the Spectrum, Cleveland Park Library, DC Public Library, 10:30 to 11:30 am. In the First Floor Meeting Room at Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library, 3310 Connecticut Ave. NW: a story, songs and dancing. Kids and grown-ups can join in the ways that work best for them, like moving around the room, sign language or AAC devices. Designed for ages 0 to 5; children of all ages are welcome with a caregiver. Let the library know about any accommodations that would help: dcplaccess@dc.gov. Online registration is required, as space is limited..

Sensory-friendly programs, in the library's words

“This sensory-friendly story time is designed to be enjoyed by kids of all abilities, especially kids on the autism spectrum!”

“Children and their grownups are encouraged to actively engage and participate in the ways that work best for them. This can include moving around the room rather than sitting down, communicating with AAC devices, and more!”

“Please let us know if there are any accommodations that would help this story time be a joyful experience for you and your child.” dclibrary.libnet.info (Cleveland Park)

“We will build LEGO, make art, and read together in a sensory-friendly space.” dclibrary.libnet.info (Spectrum Friends Library Club)

“join us in the Children's Story Time room for a quiet(er) spot to read, study, color, or other calming activity.” dclibrary.libnet.info (Sensory Friendly Study Lounge)

  • Each date has its own page and registration on the library's events calendar: the MLK Library story time recommends online registration, and Cleveland Park, Chevy Chase and the Spectrum Friends Library Club require it.
  • Questions about these programs go to the library's Center for Accessibility. It is on the 2nd floor of the MLK Library, Room 205, and is closed on holidays.
  • The library also has a Down Syndrome and Friends Community Play Group at Lamond-Riggs, for families of kids with disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism and developmental disabilities, with toys and themed activities. Its dates are on the library's events calendar.
  • The library's separate Sensory Programs for little ones, listed under Month of the Young Child, help build fine and gross motor skills; children may play with sand and building blocks, scribble with crayons and do other activities.

In their own words: dclibrary.libnet.info. Checked Thu, Nov 12, 2026. Something wrong or out of date? Tell us · How we check

Three things to know

  1. Story Time for the Spectrum is a sensory-friendly story time with a story, songs and dancing, for kids of all abilities, especially kids on the autism spectrum.
  2. Kids can move around the room instead of sitting and can communicate with AAC devices; Cleveland Park also includes sign language.
  3. To ask for an accommodation, fill out the library's request form as early as possible and at least seven days before the program; the Center for Accessibility (DCPLaccess@dc.gov or 202-727-2142) helps if you need assistance with the request.

Visual schedule

Story Time for the Spectrum

  • Go to the MLK Library
  • Go to story time in the Children's Amphitheatre
  • Stay with my grown-up
  • Listen to the story
  • Sing songs
  • Dance or move around
  • Go out the exit
  • Go home
  • All done
Make it yours →

For a full-size copy your child can use, open this page at squaredsteps.com, tap Make it yours, then print.

Ask before you go

  • what changes in the room for these programs, such as lights or sound
  • sensory kits, fidgets or headphones to borrow
Call 202-727-2142
More about DC Public Library

Quieter, in the library's words

The Children's Story Time room at Tenley-Friendship during the Sensory Friendly Study Lounge: a quiet(er) spot to read, study, color or do another calming activityquiet zone
  • Accommodations: for an ASL interpreter, CART, handouts in another format or another reasonable accommodation, fill out the library's request form; if you need help with the request, contact the Center for Accessibility by email at DCPLaccess@dc.gov or by phone at 202-727-2142. Ask as early as possible, and at least seven days before the program.
  • Center for Accessibility hours: Monday 10 am to 6 pm, Tuesday to Thursday 10 am to 8 pm, Friday and Saturday 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, closed Sunday and on holidays.
  • Branch phones: MLK Library 202-727-0321, Cleveland Park 202-282-3080, Chevy Chase 202-282-0021, Lamond-Riggs 202-541-6255, Tenley-Friendship 202-727-1488. Chevy Chase, Lamond-Riggs and Tenley-Friendship have a parking lot.
  • Library rules: children 8 and under who appear to be unsupervised can't be left anywhere in the library; food and uncovered drinks are only allowed in designated areas; electronics need headphones or a volume that doesn't disturb others; bicycles, scooters (unless collapsed and carried) and 4-wheel grocery or utility carts can't come inside.
Call
202-727-2142 Center for Accessibility: program questions and help with accommodation requests202-727-0321 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
Email
DCPLaccess@dc.gov Center for Accessibility: program questions and help with accommodation requests

Source: dclibrary.libnet.info

Squared Steps: free visual schedules and stories for autistic kids, made by an autism parent. Free. No sign-up. No tracking, no ads. About us