1. Instructions leave this page out of your final book. This is the Social Story book template for your ‘This is My Library’ book. We’ve provided a front and back cover, a “purpose of this book” page (which could also be left out of your book) and 7 sample pages for you to work with. This book can be used as a Social Story introduction to a visit to your library. There are many other potential applications for this book for library users of all ages, i.e. to deliver rules or polices regarding story times, computer use and so on. Pages can be added or subtracted, and easily customized for your library and your specific purposes with text, pictures, logos, etc. The book can be printed and/or posted on your website.

2. This is My Library The ____________ Library www.librariesandautism.org

3. This is MY Library A personal tour in print The purpose of this book is to help pre-teach what the structure and routine of a library experience will be like. With this book, individuals will gain a visual familiarity of their own library so that they can feel comfortable during their visits, be able to use the services, and interact appropriately. This customizable book has been designed for individual libraries to insert their own photographs in order to develop a personalized “library tour.” To make This is My Library become a book about your library, customize it to your specific needs, then take photographs that correspond with the topic of each page and place them into the document (electronically or manually). To insert digital pictures directly onto each page, click on the picture placeholder. You will then be able to insert a picture from a computer file you specify. To insert pictures manually, paste photographs onto each printed page. Personalize the related text as appropriate. If a topic does not apply to your library, omit that page from your book. You can also add pages to display the unique aspects of your library (e.g. pets, café, garden, etc.). The book can also be used to deliver rules, polices and procedures about any number of library activities (i.e. computer use, storytimes, use of electronic resources, etc.) in an effective, non- threatening way. This document works best printed on white cardstock, then laminated and bound on the left side, with three metal rings. Have multiple copies available for distribution for home and school use and be sure to publicize its availability. The PowerPoint file can also be posted on your website so people can take the tour ‘virtually’. This resource has been developed by the Scotch Plains Public Library and the Fanwood Memorial Library as part of the " Welcoming Library Spaces for the Autism Community and Their Families " incubator project, which was made possible by a contract with INFOLINK: The Eastern New Jersey Regional Library Cooperative. The Cooperative and its services are funded by the New Jersey State Library, which is responsible for the coordination, promotion and funding of the New Jersey Library Network. www.librariesandautism.org

4. This is my Library. SAMPLE TEXT: This is my library, [ Insert your library’s name ]. We come to the library to access information and services. There are books I can read, information I can research, and programs and services in which I can participate.

5. SAMPLE TEXT: My (Reference Librarian, Children’s Librarian, Director, etc) plans library programs, develops the library collection of books and equipment, and manages the library staff. The librarian is able to teach the community how to access, evaluate and use information resources through my library. He/she can help if I have problems at the library. This is the _________ librarian at my library.

6. These are the times I can use my library. SAMPLE TEXT: There are specific days and times I can use my library. The library staff can provide me with a library schedule.

7. My library has rules. SAMPLE TEXT: I need to pay attention to library rules that may prevent me from smoking, eating, drinking, and sleeping. [Briefly list some other important rules of the library.] My library is here for the community so I always need to be considerate of other people’s needs.

8. This is how I find a book at my library. SAMPLE TEXT: I can look for books in my library’s computerized catalog. I can search by title or author or subject. I can do this on computers at the library or from home.

9. This is a library card. SAMPLE TEXT: Having a library card at my library lets me check out things like books, DVDs, CDs, movies and music. There are rules about getting and using a library card. A librarian can provide me with more information about getting and using my library card.

10. I must respect other people in the library. SAMPLE TEXT: I need to behave in an acceptable manner and not be disruptive to others in my library. I should try to respect other people by not disrupting their work or conversations. My behavior should be as calm as possible and I should try to remain as quiet as I can. If someone or something is bothering me, I should try to move to another location or let a library staff member know so that the situation can be handled appropriately.

11. Designed by Adrienne Robertiello Meg Kolaya & Dan Weiss Copyright © 2008 www.librariesandautism.org Meg Kolaya Director, Scotch Plains Public Library 1927 Bartle Ave. Scotch Plains, NJ 07076 Phone: 908.322.5007 www.ScotLib.org www.libraryconnections.net Meg and Dan@libraryconnections.net Dan Weiss Director, Fanwood Memorial Library 14 Tillotson Rd. Fanwood, NJ 07023 Phone: 908.322.6400 www.fanwoodlibrary.org Meg and Dan@librariesandautism.org