During the third period of the INCLUSIVE project, partners from Lithuania and Latvia focused on completing the setup of sensory reading spaces and preparing for the launch of activities aimed at promoting emotional well-being and social inclusion.
Pasvalys Marius Katiliškis Public Library organized pilot sensory reading sessions for children and adults based on the jointly developed methodology. These sessions allowed participants to experience stories through different senses, encouraged relaxation, creativity, and communication, and received very positive feedback from participants who emphasized their benefits for emotional well-being and community connection. At the same time, preparations continued for the mobile library – the bibliobus, which will soon start travelling to remote villages to provide educational and emotional well-being services for children, seniors, people with disabilities, and socially excluded groups.
In the Augšdaugava region, the Subate Library is finalizing the setup of its new sensory reading room. The renovated space has been equipped with special furniture, sensory tools, and technology. The opening and the start of activities are planned in the near future.
In the Jelgava region, a modern sensory reading room has already been opened in Zaļenieki Parish Library. The space combines light, color, texture, and sound elements to create a calming and inspiring environment. Sensory reading sessions, group consultations, and digital literacy workshops will begin soon.
During this period, an international partner meeting and experience exchange visit was held in Jelgava, where participants had the opportunity to explore the newly opened sensory room, discuss upcoming activities, and share ideas for developing the network of inclusive libraries across borders. The meeting inspired further cooperation and strengthened the partnership between teams.
The joint photo competition “My Emotions” united communities from all three regions. A total of 20 photos from Pasvalys, 10 from Jelgava, and 10 from Augšdaugava were selected for an international exhibition that will soon be presented in libraries in Lithuania and Latvia.
