Äänekoski libraries now have nepsy corners

Äänekoski's libraries now have new nepsy corners, or shelves, where information, literature and tools for managing everyday life related to neuropsychiatric differences and special difficulties have been collected for everyone to freely borrow and familiarize themselves with.
Nepsy is an abbreviation that refers to neuropsychiatric differences and special difficulties, which can be, for example, ADHD, Tourette's and the autism spectrum. Nepsy traits are manifested in each individual, but the difficulties are often similar.
The purpose of the nepsy corner in Äänekoski libraries is to help people with nepsy traits and their loved ones to access information and help. On the other hand, nepsy tools can be useful for everyday management, concentration and time management for everyone, even if there is no problem or diagnosis. And on the other hand, if you recognize one characteristic in yourself, it does not mean that there is a diagnosis.
- We wanted the nepsy corners to be accessible to every member of the municipality. Can there be a lower threshold to share information and even create encounters than libraries, if you wonder why your neighbor Ville is always in a tree, the welfare coordinator Taina Laitinen says.
- On the other hand, nepsy traits are not just a matter for children, and it is delightful to find literature related to the topic for adults as well, librarian Iris Kettunen says.

Courage to try something new
In the nepsy corners of the libraries, an information folder related to the topic, a book list and tools have been put together. Borrowable equipment includes weight bags with tips, hearing protectors, bump pillow, emotional skill cards, timers, exercise rubber band, spiked ball, stress ball and other various jumping and squeezing objects.
- Such devices can help regulate the state of alertness and if it is difficult to sit still, the impulses and sensory stimuli obtained from them can help to concentrate, Laitinen says.
Library clerk Iiris Kettunen, welfare coordinator Taina Laitinen and early childhood education support coordinator built the library's nepsy corners Leena Hapon as cross-administrative and close cooperation. As you know, there are no similar ones in other Keski libraries yet.
- At Äänekoski, we have the courage to try something new and we always find an enthusiastic team to make it happen, thanks Leena Happo.
Library director Päivi Heinimäki is especially happy that the Äänekoski library now has a curated collection of high-quality and latest Nepsy-related works. The best material of the moment has been brought to the fore and a book list compiled of the latest books can also be found on the city's website.
- The book lists contain both fiction and non-fiction books, including books for young people, and all books are available to borrow from us. The books in the lists are intended primarily for the nerds themselves, and the books for loved ones have their own list. The children's list includes picture books and informational books for children, says Kettunen.
All equipment can also be borrowed and is durable and washable.
- It's great that we got nepsy corners in all four libraries. It is also equal treatment of the municipal residents, says Laitinen.
The nepsy corner of the Äänekoski main library can be found in the middle of the library hall. Suolahti's corner can be found near the shelf of paperbacks and isotext books. In Sumiainte and Konginkanka libraries, the nepsy corner is in the non-fiction section at the end of the shelf.
The city of Äänekoski wants to invest in accessibility, and the libraries also offer a good selection of paperbacks. Plain language is easier to read than standard book language. Paperbacks can be found in the online library using the search term paperbacks, and in libraries they can be found on a separate shelf. In addition, the accessibility library Celia offers a wide selection of audio books free of charge.


For more information:
Director of Library Operations Päivi Heinimäki, 0400 440 734, paivi.heinimaki@aanekoski.fi
News published, modified 15.3.2024 at 12:40