SENSORY story bags are now available to borrow from Cornwall’s libraries.

Cornwall Library Service, run by Cornwall Council, has bought a collection of 11 sensory stories created by Joanna Grace, founder of The Sensory Projects. These are designed to engage people with sensory needs and use a variety of props to bring the story to life.

The stories can be loaned out like a book using a library card, and can be reserved online via the Cornwall Council website. Some are accompanied by wallets containing sensory props, which are available to use at the libraries, in school and at home. Alternatively, users can follow instructions to create their own props from items around the home.

“A sensory story is a concise narrative that partners short sentences with rich and relevant sensory stimulation,” said Joanna. “My stories are always resourced with stuff you would have around the house, or things that are very inexpensive to purchase, to be inclusive. You should be able to make up a resource pack for any of these stories from things you’ll find in your recycling bin.”

Staff at Camborne Library have been telling sensory stories over the last few months. Manager Lotti Stapleton said: “A couple of customers come in regularly for stories but can't access normal storytelling for whatever reason, and they've really enjoyed it.

“They might not enjoy every aspect of the story, but there are usually one or two elements they will engage with, and it’s really nice to see that that it's working.”

Paul Evered, Cornwall Council’s library service delivery manager, said: “Some of our library users have really enjoyed experiencing these stories. Now the books are available to borrow, we hope that more people will be able to enjoy them both in our libraries and at home.”