Meet Up Mondays - A Place for Everyone
Newport News Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
The Newport News Public Library offers a 'Meet up Mondays' program for adults with intellectual disabilities, providing interactive and enriching activities such as concerts, STEM demonstrations, crafts, and movies. This program, held on the first Monday of each month, has high attendance and is a valuable resource for learning, socializing and entertainment. Participants look forward to the social interactions with their new friends made at the library. Community partners offer engaging activities for participants in a welcoming environment.
Through intentional programming efforts, we have reached more members of our community and our program helps to empower adults with intellectual disabilities to learn, connect, and thrive.
Challenge/Opportunity
Adults with disabilities often encounter a variety of barriers when trying to meet new people in public libraries. Social and communication challenges often play a major role—individuals with disabilities may experience anxiety, lack of confidence, or difficulty engaging in conversations without appropriate support and thoughtful programming.
Libraries often unintentionally exclude adults with disabilities through program design or staff unawareness. Events not tailored for diverse abilities, inflexible participation formats, and limited representation in library materials and marketing often contribute to not reaching the desired audience.
We have addressed these barriers by providing staff training and offering intentional programming. Efforts were made to connect with caregivers and facilities that support adults with intellectual disabilities so that participants felt welcome. We make sure to provide an environment that is both welcoming and engaging.
Key Elements of Innovation
We meet the needs of adults with intellectual disabilities through thoughtful, inclusive programming that promotes accessibility, participation, and social connection. Our program goes beyond mere accessibility. We are innovating collaboration and inclusion in ways that empower participants and expand their social connectivity.
Our program is designed to enable participants to engage in activities tailored to their abilities, ensuring that the activities we develop reach a wide range of abilities. We pay close attention to the auditory, visual, and intellectual needs of our participants, making sure that everyone can participate meaningfully.
By participating in our programs, individuals can build confidence and make valuable contributions to society. Through innovation, we prioritize empowerment, equity, and creativity. This approach not only helps us meet our accessibility goals but also redefines what inclusive community engagement looks like.
Achieved Outcomes
Through partnerships we have identified our community’s needs and made sure that inclusion is a priority. Momentum 180, LLC an organization that specializes in providing clinical services to individuals with developmental disabilities and promotes peer socialization within the community frequently brings participants to our program. The Silver Strummers has provided musical activities to participants and the Mad Scientists of Hampton Roads organization has introduced our participants to STEM activities. We have been able to develop new partnerships and improve social interaction and community engagement through our efforts with this program. By mindful programming and addressing community needs, we are able to make sure that all of our community is seen and heard. There is a place for everyone at the Newport News Public Library.
