Inclusive practices in public libraries : reading promotion for children and young people with disabilities

The aim of this study is to understand how librarians at public libraries can work with reading promotion towards children and young people with disabilities. The study is based on sociocultural theories as described by Vygotskij and Säljö combined with critical disability studies. The empirical material consists of eight qualitative semistructured interviews with ten librarians across Sweden with experience in reading promotion work with children and young people with disabilities. The results show that collaborations with schools and other organisations are a central part of the work and creating suiting programmes is another. An inclusive and welcoming library space is needed for everyone's opportunity to participate. Training and professional development can be used to build confidence in librarians and a supportive management that is able to give the librarians the time and resources they need are important.