In May 2019, Merton Library and Heritage Service successfully won £94,826 of funding from Arts Council England for Project Sense.
The Project has seen Merton transform its seven children’s libraries into themed sensory spaces: Artic, Forest, Jungle, Space, Weather, Under the Sea and Circus.
It has provided an annual FREE events and activities programme for children with SEND needs.
And a dedicated resource library with specialist communication technology, specially adapted toys and switches and bag books all of which can be borrowed free of charge.
We have also purchased over 5000 SEND books for children in our libraries and our staff have been trained in disability and autism awareness, visual and hearing impairment training.
We have dark dens, ear defenders, sunflowers lanyards all of which can be borrowed during a visit to the library.
Please visit our dedicated website https://www.merton.gov.uk/send-libraries where you can see all of our information.
Our monthly FREE events and activities are listed below. From 9am-9.30am children have exclusive use of the space before the library is open to the public.
We would love to see you. All abilities are welcome.
Advance booking is required for all regular events. Please contact the library to book your place. Bookings must be made by 5pm on the Thursday prior to the Saturday morning session.
Mitcham Library
2nd Saturday of each month – SEND Story Time, 9am – 9.30am. For children aged 4+
3rd Saturday of each month – SEND Stay and Play Toy Time, 9am – 10am. For children aged 3+
Wimbledon Library
3rd Saturday of the month – SEND Stay and Play Toy Time, 9am – 10am. For children aged 3+
4th Saturday of the month – SEND Story Time, 9am – 9.30am. For children aged 4+
Morden Library
1st Saturday of the month – SEND Story Time, 9am – 9.30am. For children aged 4+
4th Saturday of the month – SEND Stay and Play Toy Time, 9am – 10am. For children aged 3+
West Barnes Library
2nd Saturday of the month – SEND Stay and Play Toy Time, 9am – 10am. For children aged 3+
3rd Saturday in the month – SEND Karate, 9am – 10am. For children aged 6+
Raynes Park Library
1st Saturday of the month – SEND Sensory Library Time, 9am – 9.30am. For children of all ages.
2nd Saturday of the month – SEND Multi-sports, 9am – 10am. For children aged 5-8
Colliers Wood Library
4th Saturday of the month – SEND Sensory Library Time, 9am – 9.30am. For children of all ages.
1st Saturday of the month – SEND Kung Fu, 9am – 10am. For children aged 6+
Pollards Hill Library
3rd Saturday of the month – SEND Sensory Library Time, 9am – 9.30am. For children of all ages.
4th Saturday of the month – SEND Kick boxing, 9am – 10am. For children aged 6-10
Animal Encounter Sessions
Come and meet some friendly and furry pets and learn all about them. There are two sessions available for children of all ages.
First session: 9am – 10am Exclusive SEND children only
Second session: 10am – 11am Mixed SEND and non SEND children.
Booking is required via the relevant library as spaces are limited.
- Saturday 7th March 2020 at Pollards Hill library
- Saturday 18th April 2020 at Colliers Wood library
- Saturday 2nd May 2020 at Wimbledon library
- Saturday 6th June 2020 at Mitcham library
- Saturday 4th July 2020 at West Barnes library
FREE Music Course
In May we will be running a four week music course at Mitcham Library provided by DRAKE Music Productions (specialists in Music and disability) between 9th May – 6th June Saturdays (9th, 23rd, 30th May and 6th June). Sessions will be fun and exciting and comprise of playing instruments, learning, playing and composing a group piece of music which will be recorded. After the course children will receive a CD of their piece of music to keep.
To book and for more information, please contact Lisa Mustoe on lisa.mustoe@merton.gov.uk
10am-11am – Children with visual impairment/additional needs
11.30am – 12.30am – Children with Autism
1.30pm-2.30pm – Children with hearing impairment/additional needs
3pm-4pm – Children with Mild Learning Difficulties
https://www.merton.gov.uk/send-libraries
