Park City Library is proud to share that we have partnered with Kulture City to become Utah’s first library to become a Kulture City venue. Our library building and events are sensory inclusive. This initiative promotes an accommodating and positive experience for all of our visitors with a sensory issue that visits the Library. Supporting visitors with neurodiversity is important to the Library. Our guiding principles state that each interaction is important and our strategic plan has an inclusive goal for each year where creating an environment in which our differences are celebrated and supported. The Library holds the Next Chapter Book Club for adults with varying developmental abilities. Please join our book club if you are interested! Our main entry is the home to Lucky Ones Coffee. The coffee shop has a mission to provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Stop by for their amazing coffee and paninis!
The Kulture City certification entailed the staff to be trained by leading medical professionals on how to recognize visitors with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation.
Sensory bags, equipped with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads are available for all visitors who may feel overwhelmed by the Library’s environment. These visitors are welcome to visit areas of the Library with lower stimulation such as the Reading Room on the second floor, the Reading Garden outside on the East side of the building, and any of our four focus booths throughout the building.
Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD, and other similar conditions. One in 6 individuals has a sensory condition. One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to overstimulation and noise, which is an enormous part of the environment in a venue like the Park City Library which has a lively children’s area and a theater with large events. With its new certification, the Library is now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when attending any event at Library.
Prior to arriving at the Library, families can download the free KultureCity App where one can view what sensory features are available and where they can access them. Also, on the App is the social Story which will provide a preview of what to expect while enjoying an event and amenities at the Library. (Apple Store, Google Play)
Our communities are what shape our lives and to know that the Park City Library is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in their community is amazing. We’re honored to partner with Park City Library to provide a truly inclusive experience for all guests!
Uma Srivastava, Executive Director, KultureCity.
More About Kulture City
Kulture City is a leading non-profit recognized nationwide for using its resources to revolutionize and effect change in the community for those with sensory needs, not just those with autism. Since the program’s inception, KultureCity has created over900sensory-inclusive venues in5countries: this includes special events such as the NFL Pro-Bowl, NFL Super Bowl, MLB WorldSeries, and MLB All-Star Weekend. KultureCity has won many awards for its efforts, including the NASCAR Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award in 2017 and the 2018 Clio Sports Silver for social good in partnership with Cleveland Cavaliers/Quicken Loans Arena. The ClevelandCavaliers’ Quiet Space Sensory Room at Quicken Loans Arena was a finalist for the 2018Stadium Business Award, KultureCity was named one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2019 and 2020 by FastCompany and recently won the Industry Partner Award in The Stadium Business Design & Development Awards 2019.