St. Cloud Public Library Opens Calming Room

(KNSI) – The Great River Regional Library system is opening its first calming room on Monday.

Jake Judd KNSI News

Thanks to a grant, the St. Cloud Public Library took one of its study rooms and turned it into a calming space. Library Patrons Service Coordinator Chris Malo told KNSI News the idea for the area came about after getting a comment card from a mother who had a child she was afraid to bring in because they had sensory issues and became easily overstimulated. “It’s set up to help kids chill out. It has muted lighting and very simple furnishings, but they are sensory furnishings. So that help’s with their senses to help them focus.”

She says the library took input from several groups and tried to put it all together into something they hoped would help children on any spectrum.

Community Engagement Director Breanne Fruth says the room is at the forefront of inclusion in the library system. “It’s exciting because it’s something that’s just starting in libraries now, nationwide. And the fact that we get to offer this to the community is really exciting and something totally different.”

Families can access the room through the children’s desk on the library’s main floor. The room can be used for up to 90 minutes at a time. The room is open to families anytime, not just at the library. Parents can use the room even if they need to calm their children down while running errands.

Officials say they’re working on bringing calming rooms to other library branches throughout the system.

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