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Bath and North East Somerset Libraries

Access For All


We have a range of accessible Library resources to support and accommodate people with accessibility needs. Use the arrows below to find out more about each collection.

Bag Books: Multi Sensory Story Packs

What is a Bag Book?

Bag Books are multi-sensory books for people with severe or profound and multiple learning disabilities. These stories consist of a few lines, with every line being accompanied by some form of sensory element such as something to touch, smell, a sound or physical interaction with the story teller. The stories are told through voice and emotion rather than words and pictures.

The stories are designed to be used at home by a parent or carer. Each storyboard also contains a link to a film where you can watch an example of the story being told.

What does a Bag Book look like?

The stories are in a large box with a handle. They are made up of a collection of objectives to help tell the story. There isn’t a book, instead there are laminated instructions and an A3 storyboard.

Where can I borrow a Bag Book?

The Bag Books are stored centrally but can be reserved and delivered to the most convenient library and you will be contacted when it is ready for collection.
Bag Books can be borrowed for 3 weeks.

Who can borrow a Bag Book?

  • Holders of a Rainbow Resource Scheme card
  • Early years practitioners and settings, childminders, children’s centres, or toddler groups, for use with children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
  • Adults with special educational needs and disabilities

Which Bag Books are available?

Kofi & the Magic ShakerCobbson, Chris Santo
He’s a winnerMartinez, Nina
Little seedTsirkas, Magdalene
Band rehersalBaker, Sophie
FairgroundBaker, Sophie
Lost in LondonBaker, Sophie
Museum mysteryBaker, Sophie
What am I?Cummings, Stuart
C.J. the library catWolstenholme, Carole
Uninvited guestsFuller, Chris
Andre’s night outFuller, Chris
Gran’s visitFuller, Chris
DesmondFuller, Chris

There are also ideas on the Bag Books website about DIY stories where the story teller can gather items themselves, probably objects that they already have or that can be obtained cheaply.

For more information about Bag Books please see the Bag Books website.

Story Sacks: Story Books with Extra Literacy Development Materials

What is a Story Sack?

Story Sacks are fun, interactive storytelling resource. They include props, activities and stories, and are designed to stimulate literacy and language skills.

Using Story Sacks in early years settings will help with:

Language & Literacy Development
Behavioural Modelling – sharing, taking turns, listening
Engaging with words and stories
Learning through play and interactive engagement
Building confidence to react to stories

What does a Story Sack Look like?

They are in a large cloth bag containing a popular children’s book with interactive storytelling aids (puppets, soft toys etc.) and games. They can be used with one child or with a small group.

Story Sacks can be borrowed FREE by members of Bath & North East Somerset Library Service that are also:

  • Early Years Practitioners
  • Childminders
  • Early Years Settings (Pre Schools, Nurseries)
  • Children Centres
  • Toddler groups
  • Rainbow Resource Card holders
  • Individuals training in early years work

To find out more about how you can borrow a Story Sack, please speak to a member of staff.

Where can I borrow a Story Sack?

We have Story Sacks in Bath Central Library, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton Library and Information Services.
They can be reserved into any of our core libraries, Mobile Library and Community Run Libraries and borrowed for 3 weeks.

Which Story Sacks are available?

Anything’s possibleNo Room For Roo
Bad-tempered ladybirdOld MacDonald Had A Farm
Big red bathOwl Babies
Do your ears hang low?Peace At Last
Farmer DuckRing The Flamingo
Handa’s surpriseShaun The Shy Shark
If onlyTeddy Takes A Tumble
Itchy bearThe Animal Boogie
Jack and The BeanstalkThe Gruffalo
Journey home from GrandpaThe Scarecrow Who Didn’t Scare
Little Red HenThere Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly
Little Red Riding HoodThe Very Hungry Caterpillar
Messy MartinWe All Went On Safari
Mrs RainbowWinnie Wagtail
Books in Braille for Children

We have a selection of Children’s books in Large Print and Braille. Please ask staff for more information.

Bookstart Additional Needs Packs

BookTrust is the UK’s largest reading charity. As well as Bookstart Baby, Toddler and Pre-schooler packs, BookTrust also offers the following packs for children with additional needs:

  • Bookstart Shine for children who are deaf
  • Bookstart Touch for children with a visual impairment
  • Bookstart Star for children with conditions affecting their fine motor skills

All the packs are free to parents and carers of children aged 0-5 years. We have a limited number of packs available at our libraries for families to have and you can ask staff for more information.

As the local BookStart Coordinator, we also provide packs to other local organisations such as Childrens Centres to gift to families.

Sensory Spaces at Bath Central, Keynsham, and Midsomer Norton Libraries
  • sensory lighting and toys
  • a giant beanbag
  • a comfy rug and cushion area
  • a blackout tent

The spaces are open to all to use and we particularly welcome families and small groups of children and young adults with sensory needs. Children need adult supervision, so please book the room for all adults and children.

Sensory Explorer Bags
Ear defenders, fidget toy and lanyard with 'please give me space', on top of a bag with a folder titled 'accessibility guide'

The bags are free to use in our spaces, and all contain:

  • a guide to the library
  • sensory/fidget toy(s)
  • ear defenders

Borrow a bag from the main desk and return after use. Use the guide to familiarise yourself and child or young person with the space and explore using the fidget aids and ear defenders to improve the visit.

Reminiscence Packs for Those with Dementia

What is a Reminiscence Pack?

Our Reminiscence packs are collections of pictures, with information about the image, on a theme. They are designed to spark memories and discussion points. We create many of these packs ourselves so they feature images and themes from the local area.

Talk to staff about borrowing the packs.

Which Packs Are Available?

1968 Floods: Keynsham & the Chew ValleyRoman Baths: in and around them
Bath ShoppingRoyalty and Bath Schools
Bath SuffragettesColleges & Universities
Coal: from pit to fireplaceThe 1940s
Floral BathTransport
Grow your own: from spade to plateTwerton
Jubilee: PeopleValentine’s Cards
Pub and HotelsWeather effects
Railways and TrainsWeddings
Reading Well Books on Prescription for Wellbeing

‘Reading Well: Books on Prescription’ is a national scheme to help you manage your health and wellbeing through self-help reading. Topics include anxiety and depression, eating disorders, phobias, panic attacks and sleep problems.

These books are shelved with health books and have a distinctive sticker on the spine.

Quick Reads to Make Fiction Accessible

‘Quick Reads’ is a national scheme to produce condensed and straight-forward versions of popular novels for adults, designed to improve literacy and make fiction more accessible.

Dyslexia-Friendly Books

We have dyslexia-friendly books for Adults, Young Adults and Children. These books use fonts, spacing and paper colour to make them easier to read.

Ask staff for more information.

Accessible Guides for those with Sensory or Learning Impairments
Our Accessibility Statement

The Accessibility Statement for this site explains its functions and limitations, and how to contact us if you would like to raise an issue.