Library books for learning disabled kids & adults

[mazzajayjay]

I've been disappointed that our local (Gloucestershire) libraries don't provide anything for LD adults, or kids. The librarians apologetically point me at the kids' section, where there are of course some potentially relevant books among the toddlers' section. But I'd love to see the inclusion of multi-sensory and interactive books, whether things like Bag Books which include objects to accompany the story, or fun books like Herve Tullett's eg Tap tap tap! Firstly, please could you recommend books and also toys etc that local libraries could stock? (If they require batteries or are expensive like Bag Books, they could be kept separate from open shelves, available on request.) And secondly, do any of your libraries have multi-sensory and/or interactive books? Thanks!

It’s not my council but have a look at this from Wokingham. I don’t know if reality is as good as their talk. I just remember an article about it.

Hackney, Sutton, Birmingham, Cambridgeshire and Dudley libraries used to have Bag Books. I don’t know if they still do. West Sussex did too, and they also had a communication library with toys and communication aids. Again, not sure if they still do. I’m sure there are others; they are the ones I can remember off the top of my head.

You might also be interested in Books beyond Words.

@2x4greenbrick Many thanks for this swift and helpful reply. It's interesting that the council, Wokingham, is one where there is/was a care village for people with learning disabilities. Good to see that some councils do or have provided Bag Books - and particularly impressive that West Sussex had a communications library with toys and communications aids. Not council provision but I've found that Leeds Mencap have an extensive toy lending library, all free I think.
Thanks also for Books Beyond Words. Great concept!

Looking wider, there are other toy/sensory equipment libraries run by charities, groups, churches, etc. For example, Cerebra has a toy lending library, Gympanzees in Bristol, JIGSAW also in Bristol and one in Oldham via the parent carer forum. An MN’er once set one up locally to her.

As well as some of Surrey’s libraries having Bag Books, some also have (or at least had!) interactive games systems for people with an LD or other disability.

@2x4greenbrick Thanks again! I'd looked into some Mencap groups but hadn't considered that other charities, groups and churches might also run lending libraries. I'll check out the ones you mentioned. Thanks!