In 2015, April officially became Autism Awareness Month in Northbrook, marked by the Village’s official proclamation and the Northbrook Public Library’s first-ever participation in Light It Up Blue, the awareness campaign of Autism Speaks. In 2016, the Library will once again participate World Autism Awareness Day by lighting the building blue on Saturday, April 2.
World Autism Awareness Day, an initiative of Autism Speaks, encourages individuals to wear blue as a sign of support. Iconic landmarks and buildings around the world also light up blue on that day. As they did last year, the Library will once again spotlight the building in blue on April 2 in a gesture of solidarity.
But the building’s blue-lit exterior isn’t the only way the Library is showing support on World Autism Awareness Day. On April 2, each of the Library’s service desks will be decorated in blue lights, and the photo booth will be available for anyone wanting to take a #LIUB selfie to show their support. The Youth Services department will also provide a puzzle-themed craft for children. Additionally, the Library will hand out free stress-reliever puzzle pieces to anyone who visits the building on World Autism Awareness Day.
Perhaps the biggest addition to the day, said Youth Services Manager Kelly Durov, is a special showing of the hit film Inside Out.
“For Light It Up Blue this year, we are doing a sensory-friendly movie. It’s the first time we’ve done one at the Library,” said Durov. “We’ll show Inside Out with the lights partially on and the volume turned down, and we’ll be providing fidgets for children who need something to hold or play with during the film. We’re also breaking up the movie with an intermission and snacks.”
While the Library’s participation in Light It Up Blue is perhaps the most visual gesture of support, Durov explained that the Library’s autism support offerings go beyond the annual event.
“We have an autism collection which features resources for caregivers and teachers working with people with autism. We are looking to expand the collection within the next year,” said Durov. “We also recently hired a School & Special Services Librarian who provides programming for kids and teens with special needs. In the two months since she’s been here, she has already had schools come to visit so she could provide instructions on our resources.”
In addition to Light It Up Blue and the Library’s permanent collection, Durov mentioned the addition of a special needs storytime for young aduts to the Library’s programming. The first special needs storytime will take place on Monday, March14.
“1 in 10 people have autism; increasingly, people’s lives are being touched by autism,” said Durov. “It’s important for us to recognize that our patrons may be affected by autism in some way. Raising awareness through Light It Up Blue is an important way for us to show support for people with all needs.”
