The Livingston Manor Library invites neurodiverse kids aged three to ten years old and their families for a free one-of-a-kind series of sensory play programs from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. on one Saturday morning each month. The first two sessions will be held on Saturday, Feb. 10, and Saturday, Mar. 9.

The Kids’ Sensory Play Series will provide an opportunity for kids and their caregivers to engage in sensory-based activities, stories and guided play, together. For instance, for a session based on the sense of taste, children will have a variety of foods to try. For a session highlighting our sense of smell, a variety of fragrances will be provided to stimulate responsive play. Families with children on the autism spectrum or with developmental or learning disabilities will enjoy an experience that is flexible and responsive to their child’s natural play style.

Families will meet in the library or at designated outdoor locations when the weather is warmer. Each session will be led by local teaching artist Jess Kaufman with live music by flutist Joe Bergstein.

Jess and Joe will welcome parents and caregivers to participate by playing along with their children and enhancing their understanding of how to incorporate sensory play into everyday activities. Each month will focus on a different sense, moving through sight, sound, touch, smell, taste and movement/balance twice over the course of a year.

Jess Kaufman is an experienced youth educator and former New York Foundation for the Arts “Emerging Arts Leader,” with a focus on creating arts experiences that increase access through flexible, interactive, child-led programming. Learn more at jesskaufman.net.

The library is pleased to be able to offer this special series thanks to funding from a Community Engagement Services Grant sponsored by the Ramapo Catskill Library System.

Registration is being accepted for one or more dates at a time. Space for each session is limited. To sign up, please visit livingstonmanorlibrary.org/programsignup or call the library at 845-439-5440.

Library hours

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sunday, closed

February programs - at the library, 92 Main St.

Saturday, Feb. 10: Sensory Play for Neurodiverse Kids, 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, Feb. 17: Valentine’s Craft, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 24: What is the Internet?, 10:30 a.m.

Peggy McGuire is the director of the Livingston Manor Library. For more information, call 845-439-5440.