Julia Deacon, Community Services Supervisor at Portishead Library said:
“We love having the Nooks, they are very popular here and get a lot of use.”
As a thriving community hub, visitors have told staff that the Nook pods are “cosy, comfortable, and provide a great atmosphere when stopping by the library”. Neurodivergent individuals have said the pods “make them feel safe”, and families have reported enjoying sitting inside them with their children to play with Lego or board games.
Julia added:“They have been such a great addition to our library.”
The library had several goals to improve the space:
- To better support students, workers and local businesses needing somewhere quiet to study or work
- To provide an adaptable, multi-use area that can be easily adjusted depending on user needs
- To offer a safe and autonomous environment for patrons to use during Extended Access Opening times
Portishead Library chose Nooks for their ability to support local communities' health and wellbeing in a variety of purpose-driven ways.
“Our Nooks provide flexible space for online learning, job interviews, Teams calls and remote clinics,” said Portishead Library’s Community Services Manager. “In terms of health and wellbeing, they create calming, adjustable spaces which support focus, reduce sensory stress and can help neurodivergent users to self-regulate. They also provide calmer reading zones for vulnerable users. Also the Nooks support literacy by improving concentration for study and good tutorials, so they’re good for sustained attention”.
These Nook pods further encourage connection, self-regulation and neuroinclusion because:
- Nooks are an Autism certified resource by the IBCCES, meaning they purposefully accommodate neurodivergent visitors in an accessible and inclusive way. Soft acoustics, tunable lighting, and privacy from passers by contributes to both an emotionally and physically relaxing space.
- The Department for Work and Pensions use the Nook for satellite job centre appointments, as a separate space from the meeting room to enable customers to relax, feel less self-conscious and therefore open up more during the session.
- Registered library customers can access the library outside of staffed hours (5:15 to 8pm and bank holidays) to use the computers, collect reserved books and meet others. The Nooks offer a comfortable, dedicated desk space that feels like a home from home.
Because of all the above points, Julia told us “it was straightforward for Portishead Library to demonstrate that Nook fits with our strategy” and therefore demonstrates the criteria set by funding sources.
Nook pods are becoming an irreplaceable resource in libraries up and down the country, offering an instant sensory support space, an environment that provides psychological safety, and a way to better unite libraries with the local community. Whether it’s toddlers, teenagers or older visitors, everyone instinctively understands that the Nook is “for them”.
For more information, please email hello@nookpod.com
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