(JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- The Ocean County Library expands its mission of “connecting people, building community, transforming lives” with a new, fully-equipped sensory space in its Jackson Branch. The grand opening and ribbon cutting for Sensory Space @ Jackson will take place on Tuesday, April 4. The event begins at 1:00pm.

The new addition to the Branch’s second-floor level provides a welcoming, quiet atmosphere for all ages, with innovative, soothing, tactile, and stimulating equipment that can also be found in OCL’s Toms River Branch.

The aim of the Sensory Spaces is to relieve anxiety and stress, promote well-being, encourage communication, and offer support to people with varying degrees of sensory processing development who feel inhibited in social situations.

“One in 32 children in Ocean County are on the autism spectrum and the need for creative library services to serve this population became evident to us through families and community partners,” said Library Director Susan Quinn. “Ocean County Library embraces our responsibility to adapt to our community’s needs to fulfill our mission.”

Reservations are not required to visit Sensory Space @ Jackson. Schools and groups can schedule tours by viewing the calendar at www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events and  calling (732) 928-4400, extension 3823.

Among its features are:

* IRIS Musical Touch Wall, for visual and auditory sensations through sounds, shapes, colors and numbers

* Sensory Canopy of billowing, magnetic fabrics that achieve a cloud-like appearance

* Fiber Optic Color-Changing Light Waterfall, for tactile sensations and visual impressions

* Primary-color Crawley Mat with Matching Cubes, to encourage spatial logic, build color recognition and exercise motor skills

* LED Illuminators, fostering visual attention and aiding in sensory stimulation and color recognition

* LED Chromatherapy Fiber-Optic Softie Sensory Beanbag Chair, offering comfort and safe, pleasant sensations through fiber-optic strands.