On July 16, 2025, greater than 400 public library workers from throughout the US joined a robust webinar, Serving Neurodiverse Library Patrons and Colleagues, hosted by two NASA Science Activation program groups: NASA@ My Library and NASA’s Neurodiversity Network (N3). The occasion introduced collectively researchers, library professionals, and people with lived expertise of neurodiversity to share insights and greatest practices for creating extra inclusive and supportive environments in libraries.
Designed to equip library workers with instruments and consciousness, this interactive webinar explored how libraries can higher serve neurodiverse patrons, equivalent to these with autism, consideration deficit hyperactivity dysfunction (ADHD), dyslexia, and different cognitive variations, whereas additionally supporting neurodiverse colleagues. Breakout rooms allowed contributors to dive deeper into particular matters, together with accessible program facilitation, supporting neurodiverse colleagues, and an “Ask Me Something” area that inspired open dialogue and studying.
Library workers in all places are invited to watch the recorded webinar on YouTube and be taught extra about serving neurodiverse patrons and colleagues.
The collaboration between NASA@ My Library (led by the House Science Institute), and NASA’s Neurodiversity Community (N3) (led by Sonoma State College), displays a shared dedication to broadening participation in STEM (Science, Know-how, Engineering, and Arithmetic). NASA@ My Library works with public libraries nationwide to interact various communities in NASA science and discoveries. N3 focuses on empowering neurodiverse learners – notably these in highschool – with alternatives to interact with NASA science and discover potential STEM profession pathways.
Contributors left impressed, and the demand for extra is obvious: attendees and audio system alike expressed curiosity in persevering with the dialog, requesting further coaching, and expressing curiosity in organizing a future convention centered on neurodiversity and inclusion in libraries.
Youth Companies Librarian and webinar panelist Molly Creveling shared, “This was such an important alternative, and I am extraordinarily proud to have been in a position to contribute to it, I want I used to be in a position to attend everybody’s escape room!” And participant Jason Wooden expressed within the chat, “Actually, actually admire this webinar. That is a type of days I’m further proud to be a librarian. Thanks all.” One other fanatic participant stated, “This was the perfect webinar I’ve attended in years…extra of this!”
As NASA continues to achieve for the celebs, it’s equally dedicated to making sure that the journey is accessible to all – particularly these whose distinctive methods of considering and studying convey recent views to science, exploration, and discovery.
NASA@ My Library and N3, supported by NASA underneath cooperative settlement award numbers NNX16AE30A and 80NSSC21M0004, are a part of NASA’s Science Activation Portfolio. Study extra about how Science Activation connects NASA science consultants, actual content material, and experiences with neighborhood leaders to do science in ways in which activate minds and promote deeper understanding of our world and past: https://science.nasa.gov/learn