Meet Tricia Twarogowski

In developing programs for the Matthews Branch Library of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (NC) in 2008, Tricia Bohanon Twarogowski,  realized there was a lack of programming to meet the needs of young children with autism and other disabilities. She worked with the Autism Society of North Carolina to develop appropriate activities for this audience. As a result of this collaboration, Rhythm and Rhyme Story Time was created using visuals, songs, movement, and tactile objects.  

Ms. Twarogowski led this well-received program monthly at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library for two years and was awarded the Autism Society of North Carolina’s “Autism Professional of the Year” award for her efforts in April 2010.  During this time, she also authored a 5-part blog series for ALSC entitled “ Special Needs Programming Series” and participated in a related training video created by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. She worked at Cuyahoga County Public Library (OH) as Youth Services Supervisor at Maple Heights Branch, where she provided both Sensory Storytime and Sensory School-Age programs beginning in January 2012.  

Ms. Twarogowski has assisted several other library systems in developing similar programs in VA, NC, OH, NJ, NY & PA.  She has also presented at many conferences and workshops.  Ms. Twarogowski is currently the Branch Manager at the Northwest Akron Branch of Akron-Summit County Public Library.  She offers a sensory storytime at her location in collaboration with the Autism Society of Greater Akron.  She welcomes questions about programming by email at ttwarogowski@akronlibrary.org or phone 330-643-4702.

Blog Post Series by Tricia

Programming for Children with Special Needs, Part One

Programming for Children with Special Needs, Part Two

Programming for Children with Special Needs, Part Three

Programming for Children with Special Needs, Part Four

Programming for Children with Special Needs, Part Five