The Danbury Library is proud to announce that it has received one of the inaugural 2025 Excellence in Public Libraries Awards from the Connecticut State Library, recognizing the library’s outstanding commitment to Accessibility and Inclusion.
This prestigious award celebrates the library’s innovative Sensory Space, which officially opened on March 29, 2023, during the community’s Autism Awareness Ceremony.
The Sensory Space was first envisioned in 2018 when Emanuela Palmares, a dedicated community partner, approached library leadership with a proposal to create a welcoming, supportive area for patrons with autism and other sensory processing needs. At the time, no other library in Connecticut offered a facility like this—positioning Danbury as a trailblazer in library accessibility.
Thanks to a state Construction Grant and generous support from the Friends of the Danbury Library and the local community, the library undertook a transformative renovation of its junior floor. The project included the installation of semi-soundproof glass walls and the design of a calming, inclusive space equipped with adjustable lighting and a thoughtful mix of active and passive sensory elements.
Since opening, the Sensory Space has seen remarkable engagement, with over 1,000 reservations made during the 2024–2025 fiscal year. The library continues to enhance the space based on user feedback and now serves as a model for other libraries across the state, providing guidance for those seeking to develop similar resources.
"Receiving the inaugural Excellence in Public Libraries Award for Accessibility and Inclusion is a profound honor, reflecting our unwavering commitment to ensuring everyone in Danbury feels welcome and has equitable access to knowledge and resources. This recognition inspires us to continue innovating and expanding our services, fostering a truly inclusive environment for all."
State Librarian Deborah Schander also praised the library’s leadership:
"Connecticut's libraries are exemplars of innovation and community engagement. We are thrilled to recognize the Danbury Library with this new award."
For more information about the Sensory Space or other library initiatives, please contact Rodrigo Fuenzalida at 203-797-4505 ext. 7743.