Nanaimo residents seeking to educate themselves on autism spectrum now have a library that will cater to their needs.

Autism Society Central Vancouver Island has provided books, CDs, DVDs, games and toys related to autism available for loan from Volunteer Nanaimo’s 3148 Barons Rd. location. According to Marilyn Sullivan, society chairwoman, the library has a collection of 250 books.

Sullivan said it will enable parents, teachers, siblings and those with autism to familiarize themselves with all of its aspects. Autism is neurological and it can vary from person to person.

“A lot of the games are social stories, so they teach kids social skills and the families. They can teach social skills in the schools, in the community, classroom and everyday situations,” said Sullivan. “For general information, we have a lot of books … a lot of information for teens and young adults.”

Sullivan also said there are series of books perfect for young children and storybooks that help autistic children understand why they feel the way they do.

There will be a limit of three books for three weeks. Rita Innamorati, Volunteer Nanaimo director, said the library is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Thursday and borrowers will be asked to provide some basic information.

Sullivan said the society raised $10,000 for the collection over the span of four years via its annual Walk and Bounce for Autism fundraising event.