Prescott Memorial Library has opened the Sensory Space on its main floor. This room will provide an inclusive space that promotes mental health, relaxation, and well-being for all students, with a particular aim of reducing stress and anxiety.
With the new space, Prescott Library becomes one of only a handful of academic libraries to offer specifically designed places that fosters student wellness and academic success for neurodiverse student populations.
A collaboration with the Student Government Association, the main floor room is outfitted with special furniture and calming accessories for relaxation, such as noise-canceling headphones, fidgets, and a lap pad to create the optimal sensory experience. The space also includes lamps with adjustable brightness, privacy chairs for work, study, or relaxation, a moon pod beanbag chair for floor seating, and multiple outlets for charging personal devices. In order to reduce ambient noise, the walls are lined with acoustic paneling.
Angela Dunnington, executive library director, said the Student Government Association approached the Library about the creation of a sensory room, citing the need for a space on campus designed to foster student well-being. The idea for the space came from SGA President Trevor Fortier and SGA Senator Taylor Rotolo, who dedicated their time and effort to bring this project to life with the support of all the SGA members who passed the funding bill to make the new space a reality.
“We’re proud to see continued growth and investment in the Library and look forward to many more collaborative partnerships to support Louisiana Tech students,” Dunnington said.
The Library hosted an open house event on September 24 with a program, ribbon cutting, and reception to launch the new space. The space is now open to all Louisiana Tech students.