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Michigan State University

Sensory Spaces & Resources: Sensory Room

Purpose of the Sensory Room

The MSU Libraries sensory room is a welcoming space designed to support sensory needs and well-being. The room provides multi-sensory experiences and equipment to help: 

  • Explore and stimulate the senses
  • Relieve stress and anxiety
  • Work through emotions
  • Develop coping strategies
  • Feel calm and comfortable
  • Relax and recharge

Our sensory room was made possible thanks to a generous donation from the Shryock Family Foundation.

Sensory Room Photos & Equipment

Visit our sensory room equipment page to learn more about items in the sensory room. For a complete list of equipment, please visit our Sensory Room Equipment Inventory (google sheet)

Alpha Egg Chair, mood stool, and fiberoptic sconce from MSU Libraries Sensory Room

Alpha Egg Chair, fiberoptic sconce, and mood stool. 

Sequin board, cubby with bins, ready rocker, and liquid sensory floor tiles from MSU Libraries' Sensory Room

Liquid sensory floor tiles, cubby with bins containing sensory items and equipment, reader rocker, and sequin board.

Bean bag chair, lap desk, and bubble light tower from MSU Libraries' Sensory Room.

Bean bag chair, lap desk, and bubble light tower.

Hours, Location & Access

  • Same hours as the MSU Main Library's hours
    • Closed on Mondays and Thursdays from 10:30am-noon for maintenance and cleaning. 
  • The sensory room is located in room W124, right across from the Circulation Desk on the first floor of the Main Library. 
  • The sensory room does not use a reservation system. The door should be unlocked unless someone is using it for an uninterrupted 30-minute period.
  • Please limit time in the room to 60 minutes per visit. 
  • Max occupancy: 3 people.

Share Your Feedback!

We want your feedback! Please share your thoughts or suggest possible improvements in our Sensory Room Google Form.

Please contact the accessibility team about missing or damaged equipment, with questions, or for help using the room: lib.dl.accessibility@msu.eduThe accessibility team will respond to requests as soon as possible - at the latest, two business days. 

Sensory Room Rules & Policies

Occupancy  

  • Maximum occupancy: 3. 
  • Please limit time in the room to 60 minutes per visit. 
  • Room may be used by one person uninterrupted for a maximum of 30 minutes by switching the lock to “locked”.  
    • After 30 minutes, the lock should be switched from "locked” to “unlocked" so others may use the room.  
  • If the room is unlocked but occupied, one may enter and share the space or come back later.   
  • When sharing the room, be kind and respectful to others.  

Expectations/Rules 

  • Please limit time in the room to 60 minutes per visit. 
  • Sanitize and put away any equipment used during your visit. 
  • Equipment and items may not be removed from the sensory room. We have sensory kits available for checkout at the Circulation Desk. 
  • Covered drinks and food are allowed, but please clean up and discard trash. 
  • Individuals of all ages and abilities are welcome to use the space, but it is not meant to be a traditional study or meeting room, socializing space, or child play area.  
  • Children using the space must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. We have a children/family area by the Starbucks on the first floor west. 
  • The sensory room may not be used by professionals to conduct research or therapy without the pre-approval of the MSU Libraries. 
  • The sensory room is not soundproof to those inside and outside of the room. 
  • Talking, sound/noise, and music at a reasonable level are allowed. Overly loud noises are not allowed.