NASA Science Activation Teams Unite to Support Neurodiverse Learners with Public Libraries

On July 16, 2025, more than 400 staff from the United States Public Library joined a powerful webinar, serving the patrons and colleagues of the Neurodiverse library, hosted by two teams from the NASA scientific activation program: NASA @ ma Library and NASA’s Neurodiversity Network (N3). The event brought together researchers, library professionals and individuals with lived neurodiversity experience to share information and best practices to create more inclusive and united environments in libraries.

Designed to equip the staff with tools with tools and awareness, this interactive webinar has explored how libraries can better serve clients of neurodiverses, such as those with autism, hyperactivity disorder with attention deficit (ADH), dyslexia and other cognitive variations, while supporting colleagues from Neurodivers. The escape rooms allowed participants to dive deeper into specific subjects, including facilitation of the accessible program, to support colleagues from Neurodiverse, and a space “Ask me” which encouraged open dialogue and learning.

Library staff everywhere are invited to look at the webinar recorded on YouTube and to learn more about the service of customer and colleagues in Neurodiverse.

The collaboration between NASA @ ma library (directed by the Space Science Institute) and the Neurodiversity Network (N3) of NASA (led by Sonoma State University), reflects a common commitment to widen participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). NASA @ my library works with public libraries nationwide to engage various communities in the science and discoveries of NASA. N3 focuses on the empowerment of neurodivers learners – in particular those of high school – with opportunities to engage with the science of NASA and to explore potential stem career paths.

The participants have left, and the more request is clear: participants and speakers expressed their interest in continuing the conversation, requesting additional training and expressing their interest in organizing a future conference focused on neurodiversity and inclusion in libraries.

The librarian and panellist of webinaries of youth services, Molly Creveling, shared: “It was an excellent opportunity, and I am extremely proud to have been able to contribute, I would have liked to be able to attend the rupture room of everyone!” And the participant Jason Wood expressed in the cat: “Really, really appreciate this webinar. It is one of these days, I am very proud to be a librarian. Thank you all.” Another passionate participant said: “It was the best webinar I have attended for years … more of that!”

Look at the recorded webinar.

While NASA continues to reach the stars, it is also determined to ensure that the trip is accessible to all – especially those whose ways of thinking and learning unique bring new perspectives to science, exploration and discovery.

NASA @ ma library and n3, supported by NASA under the allocation numbers of the NNX16AE30A and 80NSSC21M0004 cooperation agreement, are part of the NASA scientific activation portfolio. Find out more about the way scientific activation connects NASA scientific experts, real content and experiences with community leaders to do science in order to activate spirits and promote a more in-depth understanding of our world and beyond: https://science.nasa.gov/learn