Exeter children’s library gets major upgrade with sensory zone

Exeter’s children’s library is about to get a vibrant makeover, with the addition of a sensory area, floating mezzanine, and flexible activity spaces, thanks to funding from the Clore Duffield Foundation.

Libraries Unlimited, the charity that operates Devon’s libraries, is leading the transformation, which will reimagine the current space to make it more engaging, inclusive and accessible for all children and families.

At the heart of the revamp is a new sensory zone, designed specifically to support children with autism, ADHD and sensory processing disorders. The zone will be housed on a mezzanine level in its own dedicated area, created in collaboration with specialists Aurora – part of the Osborne Technologies group. A lift is also being installed to ensure full accessibility.

Crucially, the new children’s library is being designed with young people, for young people. Feedback from children across Exeter – gathered via library sessions, school visits and questionnaires – has directly shaped the plans.

Rachel Payne, Business Development and Fundraising Manager at Libraries Unlimited, said:

“Over the last two years Libraries Unlimited has been working with forward-thinking partners to bring business skills and create high-impact partnerships that maximise social value with creativity, imagination and innovation which bring about positive change.

“Without the support of the partners and the input from young people this project would never have come to life. Funding from Clore Duffield has enabled us to bring this vision to life.”

The transformation has been supported by architects SW Norse, structural engineers StructureHaus, project managers IIE, and apprentices from Progressive. Libraries Unlimited continues to seek additional funding to build on the project further. Interested businesses can email rachel.payne@librariesunlimited.org.uk.

The current children’s library has been temporarily relocated to a pop-up in Princesshay since January while urgent roof work is completed. Work on the new space is scheduled to finish in July, ready for the summer holidays.

Exeter Library remains a key community hub, attracting over 500,000 visitors each year. It runs more than 750 events annually – over 11,500 of which are attended by children – and loans around 93,900 children’s books each year to its 6,100 young members.