To fill in service gaps exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Warren County (Ky.) Public Library (WCPL) opened four satellite libraries. These one-room, full-service satellites, housed by community partners, are meant to support populations that would otherwise struggle to visit a full-size branch because of socioeconomic, transportation, or other barriers.
Last year, WCPL debuted a satellite inside LifeWorks, a local residential community for young adults with autism who are striving toward independence and employment. The location, the state’s first public library specifically serving this population, has offered participants new insight into what the library can offer them, opportunities to socialize, and, for some, inspiration for a future career path—all in a less intimidating setting.
In February 2023, Warren County (Ky.) Public Library (WCPL) began working with LifeWorks at Western Kentucky University (WKU) in Bowling Green. LifeWorks is a 28-unit residential community that offers two-year stays for neurodiverse young adults and focuses on independent living and job readiness. By May, WCPL opened a satellite location at LifeWorks—making it the state’s first public library branch dedicated to serving neurodiverse patrons. Earl Willis, WCPL’s special populations liaison, has been at the helm.
Early results of the satellite have been encouraging, with Willis hosting several programs every week. The satellite is designed to be a sensory-sensitive environment, enabling individuals with autism, ADHD, or other learning differences—who can become overstimulated in crowded public areas—to concentrate on their studies, read a book, or browse digital library resources. With natural light from two large windows and carpet to reduce noise, the space is conducive for learning. What’s more, its location away from living spaces and LifeWorks’ main activity area provides a calm place for participants to spend time without distractions.
Having a staff member like Willis involved has been beneficial. Because of his decades of library experience, he is incredibly familiar with the neurodiverse population and can build strong bonds with LifeWorks participants by being there daily. He provides detailed training sessions on how to access and utilize the library’s services, like Hoopla and Libby, which are enhanced even further by the enrichment activities and social groups he’s created. There are book, poetry, and music clubs where participants can share and learn from others.
The satellite is designed to be a sensory-sensitive environment, enabling individuals with autism, ADHD, or other learning differences to concentrate.
Willis notes that he has already seen a change in the way participants view the library, primarily because the satellite is less intimidating than a typical library branch. “It’s a more personal experience,” he says. “While the public library may not have been a familiar environment before, they now know about the many resources available to them.”
Library classes and workshops are offered at a variety of times to accommodate LifeWorks participants’ unique schedules. Additionally, those interested in careers in library services can shadow Willis to learn what it might take for them to also become professional librarians. Several have expressed interest in library work after volunteering with him.
Housing a satellite library has helped advance LifeWorks’ mission and demonstrated the power of community partnership to bring resources where they’re most accessible to those in need. WCPL is excited about what the future holds for the branch. We hope to further develop our relationship with WKU, including the school’s Kelly Autism Program, which offers educational and social programs to students from kindergarten through college. We want to eventually make the LifeWorks satellite library available to these students and offer them monthly programming. Furthermore, we hope the partnership between WCPL and LifeWorks serves as a model for other communities to think creatively about ways to engage with the neurodiverse population and meet them where they are.
