Appreciation post: the new quiet hour at the big library downtown

I had to go to the main library last week to get some old building code books. They have a new 'sensory quiet hour' from 9 to 10 AM every Tuesday. The lights in the whole reading room are dimmed way down, they turned off the overhead music, and they put a sign on the front desk asking people to keep voices low. I was there for the full hour and it was the most peaceful I've ever felt in a public building. I didn't realize how much the normal buzz of the AC and the flickering lights in there usually get to me until they were gone. It felt like they actually thought about what 'quiet' means for your brain, not just your ears. Has anyone else found a public spot doing something like this lately?

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3 Comments

jaden696mo ago

My grocery store started a low-sensory hour on Sunday mornings.

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olivers286mo ago

That's actually a great idea, more places should do it. They usually call it a quiet hour though, not low-sensory. Means they turn down the music and lights for a bit. Makes a huge difference for some folks. Really hope it catches on.

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skylercooper5mo ago

Yeah I always thought it was just for kids, but hearing "makes a huge difference for some folks" really changed my mind.

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