Danbury Library Receives State Award For Accessibility And Inclusion

DANBURY, CT — The Danbury Library has received the Connecticut State Library’s inaugural Excellence in Public Libraries Award for Accessibility and Inclusion, recognizing the success of its innovative Sensory Space.

The award, announced Wednesday, highlights the library’s efforts to support residents with autism and sensory processing needs. The Sensory Space, which opened March 29, 2023, during the city’s Autism Awareness Ceremony, is the first of its kind in a Connecticut library.

The project was initiated in 2018 when community advocate Emanuela Palmares proposed a designated area to serve patrons with sensory sensitivities. The effort was supported by a state construction grant and donations from the Friends of Danbury Library and local contributors.

The junior floor renovation included semi-soundproof glass walls and calming features such as adjustable lighting and interactive sensory elements. Library staff researched best practices to ensure the space serves a wide range of users. During the 2024–2025 fiscal year, the Sensory Space received more than 1,000 reservations.

Danbury Library Director Katie Pearson said the award affirms the library’s ongoing mission to provide equitable access and foster inclusion.

“Receiving the inaugural Excellence in Public Libraries Award for Accessibility and Inclusion is a profound honor, reflecting our unwavering commitment to ensuring everyone in Danbury feels welcome and has equitable access to knowledge and resources,” Pearson said in a statement.

The library has also become a model for other institutions, mentoring public libraries interested in developing similar spaces.

State Librarian Deborah Schander praised the Danbury Library as a leader in innovation and engagement. “Connecticut's libraries are exemplars of innovation and community engagement. We are thrilled to recognize the Danbury Library with this new award,” she said.