Our libraries provide a welcoming space to all families with access to a wide range of resources, e-resources and online databases e.g. Busy Things and Grid Club available through the network of libraries across Aberdeen. In addition, Bookbug sessions and other children’s events take place throughout the year.
Priority Services and Powercuts
We all need electricity but powercuts can be particularly distressing for some customers. Scottish and Southern Energy Network (SSEN) who manage offer extra support to customers in vulnerable groups - this includes those with chronic illnesses, communication difficulties and families with a young baby. For more information and to register.
New resources
Check out new titles available for families of children with additional support needs (ASN) through the online catalogue using the search techniques noted under Resources supporting ASN.
You can reserve books online or at any library for free and collect them from any Aberdeen City library.
Familiarisation visits to libraries
If you have a child with ASN and would like to arrange a tailored familiarisation visit to your local library, please contact learningdevelopment@aberdeencity.gov.uk stating which library you would like to visit.
Storyboards
We now have storyboard guides for the following libraries, created by our young volunteers, to let you see what the library looks like before you visit:
Get in touch to tell us if you have found them useful by emailing learningdevelopment@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Calming resources
Selections of calming resources e.g. tangles, liquid timers and ear defenders, are available at all Aberdeen City libraries for children with additional support needs who may become agitated or distressed during a visit to the library. Please ask staff for more details.
Resources supporting ASN
Download a copy of the documents below for full details of resources available in libraries and online. In addition there are collections of quick books and CDs for reluctant readers and those with dyslexia in Bucksburn, Central Children's, Culter, Kincorth, Mastrick and Torry Libraries. All quick read resources can be reserved online and sent to your chosen library. Just type 'quick reads' in the Advanced search 'Anywhere' box on the online catalogue and select Junior Fiction / Junior Non-fiction under Collections.
Resources to support Bookbug Bags
CALL Scotland has worked with the Scottish Book Trust to create a fantastic pack of symbolised resources to accompany the books in the Bookbug Primary and Bookbug Explorer bags. They can be used with pupils with Additional Support Needs and those with communication difficulties. The resources include Go Talk 9+ overlays to go with each story and vocabulary sheets to go with each board to help with recording the messages.
Children with a visual impairment
Guide Dogs offers a range of services to support children with a visual impairment including technology and sensory equipment grants. The Tech for All scheme offers free iPads for children with a visual impairment aged 3-18, for use at home.
My Time To Play is new, free service that helps children with sight loss aged from birth to four develop a broad range of skills through play in a group setting. The block of 7 virtual sessions is led by habilitation specialists, and involve songs, stories and movements.
Custom Eyes books are custom made large print books for children.
More information on services available at Guide Dogs.