Shropshire Libraries launched their new Neurodiversity Collection in April 2025 – the World Autism Acceptance Month.
The new collection of fiction and non-fiction titles aimed at neurodiverse children and adults, as well as the parents, carers and professionals who support them, have been carefully chosen by librarians working with specialists in the field. The collection was made possible by funding from the Integrated Care System.
Shropshire Libraries launches neurodiversity collection
The collection is based around three areas:
- Neurodiversity Collection for families
- Neurodiversity Collection for adults and young people
- Books Beyond Words – wordless picture books for people with learning disabilities
Each area of the collection includes stories featuring neurodivergent characters, real-life experiences, practical guides to navigating the world and support guides aimed at parents, carers and professionals.
The Books Beyond Words collection gives people with additional communication needs the tools to share and understand their feelings and the world around them, as well as participate in decisions about their lives.
There are six complete collections housed across seven of the 21 libraries. A booklist is available on the website and titles can be requested for free at the other Shropshire library branches with a concessionary ticket. To find out if you are entitled to a concessionary ticket click here or ask at your local branch.
To support people using our library spaces we have also developed a Sensory Bag for every branch. The bags include noise-cancelling headphones and variety of fidget toys. Please ask library staff if you would like to use the Sensory Bag.
Please contact [email protected] if you would like to find out more about these collections.
