Sensory Story Bags Now Available at Cornwall’s Libraries

Bringing stories to life for people with sensory needs

Cornwall’s libraries are now offering a brand-new way to experience stories – designed especially for people with sensory needs.

Cornwall Library Service, run by Cornwall Council, has added a collection of sensory stories to its lending stock. The stories, created by Joanna Grace, founder of The Sensory Projects, are designed to engage readers through rich sensory experiences using everyday items.

What is a sensory story?

Joanna said: “A sensory story is a concise narrative that partners short sentences with rich and relevant sensory stimulation.”

She explained: “My stories are always resourced with stuff you would have around the house or things that are very inexpensive to purchase because I figure if you’re trying to be inclusive but you’re using things that somebody else can afford, how inclusive is that?

“You should be able to make up a resource pack for any of these stories from things you’ll find in your recycling bin.”

Easy to borrow or reserve online

The Library Service has purchased 11 different sensory stories which can be borrowed just like a book using your library card. They can also be reserved online through the Cornwall Council website.

Some of the stories are also supported by wallets of sensory props, available to use at libraries, in schools or at home. Alternatively, borrowers can follow the story instructions to create their own props using items found around the home.

Positive impact in Camborne

Camborne Library staff have already been sharing the sensory stories over the past few months.

Lotti Stapleton, Manager at Camborne Library, said: “There’s a couple of customers that have come in regularly for stories that can’t access, for whatever reason, normal storytelling and they’ve really enjoyed it.

“They might not enjoy every aspect of the story but there’s usually one or two elements that they will engage with and it’s really nice to see that that it’s working, that they’re interested in it.”

More accessible storytelling across Cornwall

Paul Evered, Library Service Delivery Manager at Cornwall Council, said: “We’re delighted that these sensory story bags are now available to borrow from Cornwall’s libraries.

“Some of our library users have really enjoyed experiencing these stories. Now the books available to borrow, we hope that more people will be able to enjoy them both in our libraries and at home.”