cid:image001.jpg@01DBEFDD.4CC37390 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Paul Burns (502) 574-1683 [Office] Mayor Greenberg announces new Sensory Kits are now available from the Louisville Free Public Library LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 8, 2025) – Mayor Craig Greenberg announced today the Louisville Free Public Library’s newest resource, Sensory Kits, designed for Louisville’s neurodiverse youth population. Libraries strive to create a welcoming environment for everyone, and the Louisville Free Public Library’s latest service does just that. Curated to offer families and individuals the opportunity to explore sensory-friendly experiences in the library and at home, sensory kits aim to support sensory development, provide educational enrichment, and foster meaningful connections through play and exploration. “Our libraries are busy every day providing programs and services that help support the educational and social development of children across Louisville Metro. Through innovative new services like these Sensory Kits, we are ensuring our libraries continue to be inclusive, welcoming spaces for all,” said Mayor Greenberg. Made possible through a grant from the WHAS Crusade for Children, with additional funding from the Library Foundation, the Library now offers two types of sensory kits – one for use by families in the library and one to borrow for use at home. In-library sensory kits are designed to help children regulate their sensory needs. Something as simple as a pair of noise-canceling headphones or a textured fidget toy can make all the difference in how a young person experiences the library, ensuring that every family can access the joy of hands-on learning regardless of sensory needs. In-library kits are available at all library locations and are equipped with noise-canceling headphones, wobble seats, sunglasses, and fidget toys. Each of the Library’s take-home sensory kits represent a different theme—bedtime, animals, music, S.T.E.A.M., and textures—and include sensory toys, practical tools, engaging books, and helpful guides that suggest ways to fully enjoy and benefit from the materials. More than temporary tools, take-home kits empower families to try out resources before making a financial investment. These sensory kits can be borrowed for up to 21-days and can be reserved for checkout at any LFPL branch. “Library sensory kits can make the difference between families feeling left out and feeling like they belong,” said Library Interim Executive Director Barbara Sexton Smith. “We are so grateful to WHAS Crusade for Children and the Library Foundation for making this important service available, free of charge, to our community.” For more details and to reserve a sensory kit, go to www.LFPL.org/SensoryKit.