This spring, the Massachusetts Library Series (MLS) is hosting three MLS Member Webinars! MLS member library staff will share their knowledge and expertise about their selected topics for their fellow library colleagues.
This season, we’re spotlighting the presenters by sharing how their backgrounds connect to their chosen topics.
In today’s blog, learn more about the positive impacts of neurodiverse friendly library spaces from Kim Money Priddy, the systems & electronic resources librarian at Middlesex Community College!
Be sure to also register for Kim’s webinar: Neurodiverse Friendly Libraries Benefit Everyone
What is your name and position, the name of your library, and the community/communities your library serve(s)?
Kim Money Priddy: Hi! My name is Kim Money Priddy (she/her) and I’m the systems & electronic resources librarian at Middlesex Community College. We have campuses in Bedford and Lowell, with a library on each campus. We support a diverse community, ranging from traditional college students and dual-enrollment high schoolers to adult learners balancing the demands of work, school, and family.
What is your webinar about?
Money Priddy: My webinar explores how providing neurodiverse friendly library spaces positively impacts patrons and employees of all neurotypes. We’ll talk about common sensory challenges that neurodivergent people may experience in libraries, as well as practical, research-based strategies to improve accessibility and comfort for everyone.
What is your background with neurodivergence? Why are you passionate about it?
Money Priddy: I’m the mom of a neurodivergent kid and, along with many other women, I discovered as an adult that I’m neurodivergent myself. While exploring how to best advocate for the needs of my child, I’ve learned a lot about neurodiversity and how even small modifications can make a world of difference in someone’s comfort and feeling of acceptance.
Why did you decide to host an MLS member webinar?
Money Priddy: I always enjoy watching MLS webinars and learning about what other libraries and librarians are working on. When I saw the call for webinar proposals, this topic immediately came to mind. Neurodivergent people make up about 15-20% of the population, so every library has patrons and/or staff who would benefit from neurodiverse friendly spaces.
Do you have any advice to other library workers who may be interested in learning more about supporting neurodivergent patrons and staff? Do you recommend any resources for further learning?
Money Priddy: I’d encourage anyone who’s interested to learn more about the myriad of people who are included under the neurodiversity umbrella. One of the big takeaways that’s commonly expressed in neurodivergence related research is the lack of understanding and knowledge that people have, both neurotypical and neurodivergent, about what it actually means to be neurodivergent, as well as how it may impact the way you think, learn, and interact with the world.
There’s a growing interest and exploration of how libraries can support neurodiverse patrons and staff, so there are a variety of resources available. Renee Grassi provided some great advice, specifically about supporting neurodivergent library staff, on the “Library Leadership Podcast.”
WebJunction also has a page on their website called, “Neurodiversity and libraries,” which includes links to a ton of helpful resources.
