Nonprofit aims to strengthen community with inclusive spaces for learning & connection
WEYMOUTH, MA / ACCESS Newswire / October 6, 2025 / The Weymouth Libraries Foundation is the local nonprofit organization proudly funding the recent installation of three new Nook study pods at Tufts Library, enhancing the library’s ability to serve community members seeking quiet spaces for work, study, and collaboration.
The pods, financed entirely through the Foundation’s community support initiatives, were just installed and are now available for public use. Two of the pods are labeled 221A and 222A, which are located in between the traditional study rooms 221 and 222. The specialized Sensory Nook has been placed in the back corner of the children’s room next to the existing study rooms.
“These new pods represent our commitment to making Weymouth Libraries inclusive and accessible to all community members,” said Matt Tallon, President of the Weymouth Libraries Foundation. “The Foundation is proud to fund innovations that adapt to diverse needs, particularly with the sensory-friendly pod that will create a safe, calming space for children who may feel overwhelmed in traditional library settings.”
The upstairs pods include a fully ADA-accessible Nook Shelter and a standard Nook Huddle. The Shelter features an open alcove design with a removable upper wall/whiteboard panel, built-in acoustic panels for sound control, and lockable casters for easy repositioning, making it highly accessible and adaptable. The Huddle pod accommodates up to 2 people with a table, integrated power strip, customizable lighting, removable upper wall/whiteboard panel, and under-seat storage. Both pods include built-in acoustic panels that create ideal environments for focused work while maintaining an open design.
The Sensory Nook in the children’s room is specifically designed to support neurodiverse individuals, but it is open to all junior patrons who may need a sanctuary to focus, recharge, and connect with their surroundings in a supportive environment. This specialized pod features customizable lighting, soft acoustic panels to minimize noise, and creates a serene atmosphere that helps reduce anxiety and sensory overload. The mobile design allows library staff to reposition the pod as needed.
“Tufts Library has established itself as one of the foremost modern libraries on the South Shore, and these pods further enhance our ability to support diverse learning needs,” said Amy Rosa, Weymouth Public Libraries Director. “The sensory-friendly pod in our children’s room will be particularly transformative, allowing us to better serve families whose children benefit from having a quieter, more controlled environment while still enjoying all the resources our library offers.”
The Weymouth Libraries Foundation, an approved 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization, continues to focus on initiatives that promote the extraordinary resources and services offered by Weymouth’s public libraries. The Foundation believes that libraries play a vital role in connecting diverse community members across neighborhoods and providing dynamic resources for residents of all ages.
Library patrons can reserve the pods through the Weymouth Public Libraries booking portal here or at the circulation desk during regular library hours.
Later this year, the Weymouth Libraries Foundation has plans to deploy additional capital for an overhaul of the worn furniture in the Tufts Library’s children’s room, plus portable, outdoor rental lockers for the Franklin Pratt Library location.
For more information about the Weymouth Libraries Foundation or to support future initiatives, please visit the website: www.weymouthlibrariesfoundation.org.
About the Weymouth Libraries Foundation: The Weymouth Libraries Foundation, Inc. is an approved 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization committed to empowering our libraries to best serve and strengthen our community. The Foundation supports Weymouth Public Libraries in celebrating and sustaining the growth of community, collaboration, and culture through traditions of reading, learning, and sharing. For more information, visit www.weymouthlibrariesfoundation.org.
Media Contact: Nina Pfister, Director of Communications, Weymouth Libraries Foundation at weymouthlibrariesfoundation@gmail.com
SOURCE: Weymouth Libraries Foundation
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