{"id":13505,"date":"2026-03-05T13:39:51","date_gmt":"2026-03-05T17:39:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/?p=13505"},"modified":"2026-03-05T13:39:51","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T17:39:51","slug":"introducing-the-new-sensory-room-in-the-wilmeth-active-learning-center-walc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/2026\/03\/05\/introducing-the-new-sensory-room-in-the-wilmeth-active-learning-center-walc\/","title":{"rendered":"Introducing the new sensory room in the Wilmeth Active Learning Center (WALC)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13506\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_6986.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"The sensory room features special furniture, lamps, and sensory activities\" class=\"wp-image-13506\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_6986-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_6986-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_6986-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_6986-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_6986-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1365&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_6986-scaled.jpg?resize=1152%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1152w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_6986-scaled.jpg?resize=1620%2C1080&amp;ssl=1 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The sensory room features special furniture, lamps, and sensory activities<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13507\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_7019.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"A lamp illuminates a galaxy pattern on the ceiling in the sensory room\" class=\"wp-image-13507\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_7019-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_7019-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_7019-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_7019-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_7019-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1365&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_7019-scaled.jpg?resize=1152%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1152w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_7019-scaled.jpg?resize=1620%2C1080&amp;ssl=1 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A lamp illuminates a galaxy pattern on the ceiling in the sensory room<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13509\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_7097.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Items in the sensory room include fidgets, spirograph drawing kit, a weighted pad, and puzzle\" class=\"wp-image-13509\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_7097-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_7097-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_7097-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_7097-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_7097-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1365&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_7097-scaled.jpg?resize=1152%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1152w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_7097-scaled.jpg?resize=1620%2C1080&amp;ssl=1 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Fidgets, spirograph drawing kit, a weighted pad, and puzzle<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>College life can be exciting, inspiring\u2014and at times, overwhelming. Between exams, projects, meetings, and everyday responsibilities, finding a quiet place to unwind can be a challenge. That\u2019s why Purdue Libraries has introduced a new space designed with student well-being in mind: the sensory room in the Wilmeth Active Learning Center (WALC), room 1134.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A space designed for calm<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The sensory room is thoughtfully designed to be a calming, relaxing, and stress-free environment for all. Whether you need a break between classes, a reset during finals week, or simply a peaceful moment in your day, this room offers a supportive space to recharge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a capacity of six people, the room can be used by individuals seeking quiet reflection or small groups looking for a shared calming experience. However, it\u2019s important to note that this is not a group study room. The focus here is wellness, relaxation, and sensory-friendly comfort\u2014not collaborative academic work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What makes it special?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The sensory room features a variety of elements carefully chosen to promote comfort and relaxation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Comfortable, flexible furniture options<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adjustable lighting to create a soothing atmosphere<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Engaging sensory and calming activities, including sensory kits (also available at every library location)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These features allow visitors to tailor the environment to their needs\u2014whether that means dimming the lights for a moment of quiet or using one of the available activities to decompress after a busy day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Easy and flexible reservations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The sensory room is reservable for as little as 30 minutes or up to 2 hours, giving students flexibility to fit wellness into their schedules. While those with reservations have top priority, the room may also be available for walk-in use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To check availability or inquire about using the space without a reservation, simply stop by the second-floor information desk at WALC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/calendar.lib.purdue.edu\/\">Reserve the sensory room on the Libraries website.&nbsp;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Supporting student well-being<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The addition of the sensory room reflects Purdue Libraries\u2019 commitment to supporting not just academic success, but overall student well-being. In a campus environment that values productivity and achievement, it\u2019s equally important to provide spaces that encourage rest, mindfulness, and balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you haven\u2019t visited yet, consider stopping by the 2nd-floor desk and checking out the key to WALC 1134. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is pause, breathe, and reset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your well-being matters\u2014and now there\u2019s a space on campus designed just for that. For questions, contact <a href=\"mailto:gill3@purdue.edu\">Amanda Gill,<\/a> lead operations manager.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>College life can be exciting, inspiring\u2014and at times, overwhelming. Between exams, projects, meetings, and everyday responsibilities, finding a quiet place to unwind can be a challenge. That\u2019s why Purdue Libraries has introduced a new space designed with student well-being in mind: the sensory room in the Wilmeth Active Learning Center (WALC), room 1134. A space [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":166,"featured_media":13509,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[13,13101],"tags":[13102,3],"class_list":["post-13505","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general","category-news-and-announcements","tag-general","tag-news"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_7097-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1707&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pT6ms-3vP","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13505","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/166"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13505"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13505\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13510,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13505\/revisions\/13510"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13509"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13505"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13505"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.lib.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13505"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}