Neurodiverse visitors

Learn more about the resources and services we have available for neurodiverse visitors.

Social Stories

These social stories are designed to help people with autism and their families, carers and teachers prepare for their visit to our libraries. These stories show you what you may encounter during a visit to Darebin Libraries.

These stories were developed in consultation with AMAZE, the peak body for autistic people and their supporters in Victoria.

Social stories for children

• Borrowing and returning items(PDF, 11MB)
• Going to Storytime at the library(PDF, 13MB)
• Sensitive Storytime at the library(PDF, 11MB)

Social stories for adults

• Borrowing items at the library(PDF, 4MB)
• Booking and using a computer(PDF, 1MB)
• Using the catalogue(PDF, 791KB)

Mapping out high and low sensory spaces

Use our maps of high and low sensory spaces(PDF, 564KB) to plan a visit to suit your needs.

Low sensory spaces, coloured blue on the map, are quiet areas, have few people, and no multimedia.

High sensory spaces, indicated in pink, are busy places with a mix of multimedia and loud noises.

Quiet Zones

The Quiet Zone is a quiet area for study, work or relaxation. It's part of our commitment to meet the different needs of people using our physical spaces.

Between the hours of 1 and 3pm, Monday to Friday during school terms* the seating area at the back of Preston Library is a designated Quiet Zone.

The enclosed working space to the left of the entrance to Northcote Library is a designated Quiet Zone during all opening hours.

During this time, the area is available for quiet study use only. This means no phone or video calls, group conversation or other noisy activities.

Our libraries aren't silent spaces and conversation is welcome! We ask the during the Quiet Zone times you chat elsewhere in the library.

*Due to event scheduling the Quiet Zone may occasionally need to be cancelled.

Sensory Storytime Sessions

Throughout the year, we offer Sensory Storytime sessions as an opportunity for children with autism or sensory sensitivities to enjoy Storytime with reduced noise and crowding.

Please visit our Evenbrite page to view our upcoming events.

Earmuff kits available for loan

Earmuff kits are available for loan. If you'd like to borrow earmuffs please speak to one of our staff members at the customer service desk.

The earmuffs are available for both adults and children who are sensitive to noise and may feel overwhelmed in the library.