Kerry Library Toys and Sensory Resources Collection
The Kerry Library Toys and Sensory Resources Collection is a collection for children with complex
needs and their families, in County Kerry. The collection has its base at Castleisland Library. It was established
in 2015 for children who have a variety of needs. This was in response to the growing demand
for intervention services and the necessity for parents and professionals to work together to give the
children the maximum opportunity to develop skills and independence. The library was grant aided by
the Department of Children and Youth Affairs under the Play and Recreation funding scheme.
Kerry Library has over 400 toys; many are purchased specifically to meet the requirements of children
with complex needs. Items for lending include sensory and tactile toys and toys which build on fine and
gross motor skills as well as educational and learning games.
needs and their families, in County Kerry. The collection has its base at Castleisland Library. It was established
in 2015 for children who have a variety of needs. This was in response to the growing demand
for intervention services and the necessity for parents and professionals to work together to give the
children the maximum opportunity to develop skills and independence. The library was grant aided by
the Department of Children and Youth Affairs under the Play and Recreation funding scheme.
Kerry Library has over 400 toys; many are purchased specifically to meet the requirements of children
with complex needs. Items for lending include sensory and tactile toys and toys which build on fine and
gross motor skills as well as educational and learning games.
How it works
- Registration with the Kerry Toy and Sensory Resource Collection, requires a referral from an Occupational Therapist, Speech & Language Therapist, Physiotherapist, Play Therapist, Psychotherapist or Psychologist working in Kerry.
- Membership is free to any parent who can provide the above referral form.
- Membership is also available for Special Needs Assistants working in Kerry Primary Schools. A letter of referral from the school principal is required.
- Membership forms can be downloaded HERE
- Three items may be borrowed at any one time.
- The loan period is 21 days.The loan period can be extended by renewing the item online, by phone or in person.
- Library staff can assist users of this service but cannot make recommendations on toys & resources. Toys and equipment should only be used on the advice of a designated health professional.
- Toy Library members can request the toys from their local branch or mobile library. They will be notified by email or post once the toy is ready for collection in the library.
- A catalogue of all Toys & Sensory Resources in the collection is available from your local branch or mobile library and to download HERE.
- * New items have been added to the collection in 2023 and can be viewed HERE
Additional Resources available in your local library
Kerry Library is delighted to add new learning and sensory resources to all libraries in the county. The new items added include:
The Cubbie Sensory Hub in Listowel Library
The Cubbie Sensory Hub, situated in Listowel Library, offers a sensory solution for people with autism, ADHD and other sensory processing disorders (SPD) and anxiety.
The Cubbie delivers a sensory programme specific to a person's unique sensory needs, helping them regulate and better participate in school, work, and play activities. The Cubbie is easy to use, allowing each user to adjust LED lighting, sounds and visual effects to match their needs.
Further information about the Cubbie and how to access it is available HERE
The Cubbie delivers a sensory programme specific to a person's unique sensory needs, helping them regulate and better participate in school, work, and play activities. The Cubbie is easy to use, allowing each user to adjust LED lighting, sounds and visual effects to match their needs.
Further information about the Cubbie and how to access it is available HERE
C-Pen Readers
A C-Pen Reader is a convenient portable tool to support independent reading. Scan text with this state-of-the-art device to have the text read out with natural speaking voices. Use built-in highest tier dictionaries to access definitions to secure understanding. C-Pen Secure does not store any data and thus secure user integrity as well as employer intellectual and confidential material.
Everything is built-in and there is no need or requirement for internet connection.
Everything is built-in and there is no need or requirement for internet connection.
- Reads text out aloud.
- Looks up and reads out definitions of words.
- Complete privacy – no scanned/read data stored.
- Secure – scanned content is NOT stored.
- No wifi required.
- Speaker and earphone jack.
- Rechargeable battery.
Fraction Tower Cubes: Equivalency Sets
Illustrating the relationship between fractions, decimals and percents is a snap with this set of 51 color-coded cubes. Durable, interlocking cubes feature fractions, decimals and percents clearly marked on each side, providing students with a visual representation of equivalencies.
- Children learn by building simple, graphic mathematical models that clearly demonstrate the relationship between the parts of a whole.
- Color-coding helps students apply their understanding of fraction concepts to new contexts.
- Age 6+
- Includes Activity guide.
Comfort Box/ Sensory Kit
Each library now has a comfort kit available to use for people visiting the library.
The kits are a collection of items that may help calm overstimulating situations. The kits include ear defenders, optic lights, fidget toys, wiggle worms, a magic rainbow ball, an aku ring and liquid timer.
The kits are a collection of items that may help calm overstimulating situations. The kits include ear defenders, optic lights, fidget toys, wiggle worms, a magic rainbow ball, an aku ring and liquid timer.
