Medicine Hat library adds sensory-friendly features and video games to teen space

A $3,000 grant helped pay for a range of large and small regulation tools, seating and lighting.

Kuhn said the goal is to give teens options to help manage their sensory needs while spending time at the library.

“We never know what state a teen’s regulation or nervous system is in when they come into our space,” Kuhn said.

“Whether they’re coming into the space unregulated and looking for a calm space, or if they are in the space and they get overwhelmed, with items like these they can have the tools to help regulate their nervous system and still enjoy the space.”

A second grant of $1,350, provided through the Community Foundation’s Frost Family Fund, was used to purchase about a dozen new console games and increase storage space on the computers in Honeycomb House.

Kuhn says the additions help address the cost of video games, which can be a barrier for some families.

“A lot of families can’t afford all of the new consoles or games and keeping up with all of the new trends. So, this way, we can have these made available to teens and they don’t feel left out from their peers, because they know what the game is about. They’ve played it and they can talk about it with other kids,” Kuhn said.

The games also provide more opportunities for cooperative play, helping teens connect with others in the space.

“We hope these updates will improve Medicine Hat youth’s sense of connection and belonging as well as their mental health while accessing our newly sensory-friendly teen space thanks to CFSEA,” Kuhn said.

Save-on-Foods will provide light refreshments at the Nov. 12 open house.

Pattison Media and Save-On-Foods are sister companies owned by the same parent organization, The Jim Pattison Group

More information about Medicine Hat Public Library is available at mhpl.shortgrass.ca.

by Jesse Gill

Medicine Hat library adds sensory-friendly features and video games to teen space

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