Exeter Library by Libraries Unlimited
Osborne Technologies' Aurora sensory zone
A Charity Building Stronger, Connected Communities
About Libraries Unlimited
Libraries Unlimited is the charity responsible for operating 54 public libraries across Devon and Torbay. Its mission is to enrich lives and build communities through access to knowledge, creativity, and opportunity. Each year, over 2 million visits are made, with 130,000 members and thousands more supported through cultural events, educational programmes, and wellbeing initiatives. Exeter Library is a flagship site, serving as a vibrant community hub that supports literacy, combats social inequality, reduces loneliness, and inspires creativity.
Reimagining a Much-Loved Children’s Library
The Opportunity
The children’s library at Exeter Library is a thriving cultural hub, running more than 770 events annually and attracting over 26,600 attendees, including nearly 11,500 children. While highly popular, the space faced challenges, with furniture and equipment showing signs of wear and the need for facilities that better reflected the library’s inclusive vision.
The ambition was to create a children’s library that went beyond bookshelves and reading corners, offering a dynamic, welcoming space where families could learn, play, and explore together. The aim was to broaden reach, diversify the user base, and provide a more inclusive, inspiring environment that supported discovery, curiosity, and joy.
The Space Before
Designing with Inclusivity and Accessibility at Heart
The Process
Having already worked with Osborne Technologies on Wizefloor installations, Libraries Unlimited chose Aurora to deliver the sensory zone. Aurora partnered with Arque Ltd and worked closely with Norse Group to design a bespoke solution for Exeter Library, transforming the children’s area into an exciting space for active exploration as well as a calming retreat when quiet moments are needed. Careful consideration was given to inclusivity, accessibility, and ease of use for staff.
The Concept
Aurora Console
Aurora Console
The Aurora console is designed for simplicity and ease of use within sensory and immersive spaces. This tablet-based app provides effortless control over every element in the room. Its intuitive interface eliminates the need for technical expertise, allowing anyone to easily adjust lighting, audio, and environmental settings.
Ambient Lighting
Ambient Lighting
Our LED strips and dome lighting create a calming ambience to suit all sensory spaces. The lights can interact with content being displayed in the room or can cycle through a spectrum of colours.
Wall Mirrors
Wall Mirrors
Wall mirrors enhance spatial awareness and visual stimulation within the sensory environment. They reflect light, colour, and movement, creating a sense of depth and immersion while encouraging exploration and interaction.
Sound Panel
Sound Panel
Interact with sound panels by clapping, stomping and more! The lights move according to the level of sound you make. A fun feature that children will love. You can even play your own music to interact with the sound panel.
Chroma Tube
Chroma Tube
Chroma tubes improve visual tracking skills and teach cause and effect learning with enhanced lighting displays. They can react to noise, displaying colours in various pattens & effects. An interactive, engaging and fun way of stimulating the senses.
Air Tube
Air Tube
Experience a whirlwind of beads as they spiral through the air tube. This maintenance free tube is easy to set up and the included beads provide a vortex like effect that creates a sensory stimulating pattern.
Oil Projector
Oil Projector
The oil projector produces soothing, slow-moving liquid patterns that drift across walls and surfaces. Its gentle motion and soft colour transitions create a calming visual focus, ideal for relaxation, sensory regulation, and mindfulness activities within the space.
Padded Furniture
Padded Furniture
Bespoke padded furniture provides safe, durable, and customisable seating solutions tailored to fit any sensory environment. Designed for comfort and functionality, these padded pieces enhance relaxation while supporting sensory-friendly engagement in both therapeutic and recreational settings.
Fibre Optic Star Ceiling
Fibre Optic Star Ceiling
Star ceilings transform any room into a tranquil and captivating environment by mimicking a night sky. With adjustable light patterns and colours, these ceilings provide calming visual stimuli.
Infinity Panel
Infinity Panel
An infinite illusion of LED lights creates a stunning effect that will engage all users. Ideal for adding depth to a sensory room. Available with tactile buttons to change colours and patterns.
Audio System
Audio System
An audio system offers high-fidelity soundscapes that amplify the immersive experience. Designed to deliver crystal-clear audio, it enhances engagement through ambient sounds, music, and directional audio cues, creating a fully enveloping atmosphere.
Fibre Optic Tails
Fibre Optic Tails
Available in various sizes, our fibre optic tails provide visual and tactile stimulation, while efficiently utilising room space. Brushing techniques enhance the senses, whilst remaining cool to the touch.
A Dynamic, Flexible and Calming Sensory Zone
The Solution
The installation of the Aurora sensory zone has revitalised the children’s library, creating a space that adapts to different needs. During peak times, the area is full of energy, offering an engaging environment for children to play, learn, and discover. At quieter times, it transforms into a calm, welcoming space where families can relax together.
The build quality and intuitive control system ensure that staff can operate the zone easily, allowing them to focus on supporting visitors. The flexibility of the space ensures it can serve multiple purposes, from lively sessions to quiet, reflective moments.
The Results
A Space Where Everyone Feels Welcome
Since opening, the new sensory zone has already made a noticeable impact on visitors and staff. Children are returning for repeat visits, and families value the dedicated area that can be both exciting and calming. Staff have praised its simplicity and effectiveness, noting how seamlessly it has blended into the library’s wider services.
Inclusive and accessible space welcoming visitors of all ages and abilities.
Boosted community engagement and repeat visits.
Adapts easily between lively play and calm relaxation.
Positive feedback from visitors and staff praising its design and usability.
Transforms the library into a vibrant, inspiring and modern learning space.
Promotes wellbeing, creativity and local community connection.
- Callum Elliott Archer, Centre ManagerThe sensory zone has been a fantastic addition to our Children’s Library, helping us demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
- Callum Elliott Archer, Centre ManagerFeedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re very happy with the impact it’s had on the library and our community.
- Callum Elliott Archer, Centre ManagerAlthough the sensory zone has only been open for a short time, the response has already been hugely positive. Families have told us how much they value having a dedicated space that feels both exciting and calming, depending on their needs.
- Callum Elliott Archer, Centre ManagerStaff have found it easy to set up and manage, and we’re already seeing children return for repeat visits. It’s clear that the installation is going to be a real asset for the library and the community.
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