This is My Library Galesburg Public Library www.librariesandautism.org

This is MY Library A personal tour in print The purpose of this book is to help pre-teach what the structure and routine of a library experience will be like. With this book, individuals will gain a visual familiarity of their own library so that they can feel comfortable during their visits, be able to use the services, and interact appropriately. This resource has been developed as part of the Libraries and Autism: We’re Connected project. . www.librariesandautism.org

This is the front of my library. This is my library, Galesburg Public Library. We come to the library to access information and services. There are books I can read, information I can research, and programs and services in which I can participate.

This is the entrance to the Children’s Room at my library. When I see the tall pencil and ruler, I know that I am heading into the Children’s Room. The Children’s Room is where I can go to find books, CDs, puzzles, and computers that I can use.

This is one of the librarians in the Children’s Room at my library. The librarians in the Children’s Room plan programs, develop the library collection of books and equipment, and help people find the things they need. The librarians can help me if I have problems at the library.

My library has tables where I can sit and read.

The library has lots of books I can read and check out. There are many kinds of books at my library: picture books, longer chapter books, nonfiction books, and even audiobooks I can listen to!.

Here is another comfortable space in the Children’s Room at my library. I can rock in the rocking chair or sit on the couch and read a book.

Here is the special dollhouse that is in the Children’s Room at my library. The dollhouse has been at my library for many years. Sometimes the librarians open up the glass case and change the decorations and furniture in the dollhouse.

This is a library card. Having a library card at my library lets me check out things like books, DVDs, CDs, movies and music. There are rules about getting and using a library card. A librarian can provide me with more information about getting and using my library card.

This is how I find a book at my library. I can look for books in my library’s computerized catalog. I can search by title or author or subject. I can do this on computers at the library or from home.

If there are library books I want to borrow, I can check them out here. The librarian will look at my library card, and will check out the books to me. Once the books are checked out to me, I can take them home with me. The librarian will tell me when I have to bring the books back to the library.

Here is the water fountain where I can get a drink Here is the water fountain where I can get a drink. It is right next to the bathroom. The water fountain and the bathroom are both just outside of the Children’s Room.

My library has rules. I need to pay attention to library rules. My library is here for the community so I always need to be considerate of other people’s needs. I must try to respect other people by not disturbing their work or conversations, and I should try to keep my behavior as calm as possible. If someone or something is bothering me, I should let a librarian know so they can help me.

Melinda Jones-Rhoades Galesburg Public Library www.libraryconnections.net MegandDan@libraryconnections.net MegandDan@librariesandautism.org Melinda Jones-Rhoades Children’s Librarian Galesburg Public Library 309-343-6118 melindaj@galesburglibrary.org www.librariesandautism.org