Arlington, Texas – In August, the Arlington Public Library was awarded a $25,386 grant from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services. The funding will expand the library’s adult neurodiverse programs, which began in May and have already drawn strong community support.
Program Overview
Library staff, led by Mark Dellenbaugh, a librarian who launched the initiative, designed two complementary approaches. One series of events is tailored specifically for neurodiverse adults, helping them explore and contextualize their experiences. The second series invites neurotypical adults to learn about neurodiversity by observing or participating, fostering mutual understanding.
Since the pilot began, the library has hosted three speaker sessions covering topics such as executive function, sensory processing and workplace accommodations. Dellenbaugh, who was diagnosed with ADHD in his 30s, says the events have been “enormously satisfying” because they fill a gap he once felt in public resources.
Community Response
Patrons have responded positively. “No one has asked why we’re spending money on this,” Dellenbaugh noted. “Instead, people are asking for more.” Sharon Granado, who oversees adult programming across the city’s libraries, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the library’s commitment to flexible participation: “We’re promoting the program to come and participate as much as you like, or as little as you want to.”
To accommodate sensory needs, the library has created quieter zones during louder events like game nights, adjusted lighting fixtures, and experimented with more home‑like seating arrangements. These low‑budget changes have already improved comfort for many attendees.
How the Grant Will Be Used
The new grant will fund several key enhancements:
- Purchase of additional silent‑disco headsets, allowing patrons to enjoy music privately during events.
- Development of sensory kits for adults with higher support needs.
- Hiring of an intern to assist Dellenbaugh with program management, freeing him to expand outreach to professional settings, university students and broader audiences.
Granado explained that the grant will be divided into smaller allocations to address multiple needs, ensuring the program can grow sustainably.
Looking Ahead
With dedicated funding and staff support, the library plans to broaden its offerings beyond the current pilot. Dellenbaugh envisions more frequent speaker series, expanded sensory resources and partnerships with local employers to promote inclusive workplaces.
“We’ve figured out what works, and now we can really go to town with it,” he said. The library’s effort reflects a growing recognition that public spaces must be welcoming to all members of the community, including neurodiverse adults seeking connection, education and a sense of belonging.
About the Library
The Arlington Public Library has a history of inclusive programming, launching sensory‑friendly events for children in 2025. The adult neurodiverse initiative builds on that foundation, reinforcing the library’s role as a community hub that adapts to the evolving needs of Arlington residents.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
