The Pottsville Free Public Library has a “Schuylkill Sensory Lending Library” collection with items available for borrowing. The Sensory Items are available for one-week loan, with no renewals, and can be checked out at the Circulation Desk during regular library hours. Sensory Items and any accessories must be returned to the Circulation Desk staff before closing time on the due date.

Patrons age 18 years and older may borrow from the Schuylkill Sensory Lending Library.

Patrons must have a valid Pottsville Free Public Library card and be in good standing (under the $5 maximum fine threshold). Library card must be presented each time a Sensory Item is checked out.

Patrons must sign the Schuylkill Sensory Lending Library Borrower’s Agreement form each time a Sensory Item is checked out. There is a limit of one Sensory Item per household at a time due to the size of the collection.

The patron and staff will look over the Sensory Item and any accessories before the patron leaves the library. Any damage or missing accessories should be noted at that time or the patron will be held responsible for it/them.

Patrons agree not to tamper with or otherwise alter the Sensory Item or the accessories.

All Sensory Items and accessories must be returned in the same condition as issued, barring normal wear and tear. Any returned Sensory Item and accessories that must be cleaned by library staff will incur a $10 cleaning fee.

Sensory Items and all accessories must be returned to the Circulation Desk and handed to a library staff member, not just left on the counter. Library staff will verify all components have been returned and are in good condition before each Sensory Item is checked in.

Any Sensory Items placed in the outdoor book-drop will incur a fine of $25 and additional charges for any damages.

Fines for late return of the Sensory Items accrue at a rate of $5 per day starting the first day it is overdue, up to $25. If the Sensory Item is not returned by 15 days past the due date, the patron will be charged the full replacement cost plus the full overdue fee of $25.

The patron is responsible for any violation of the Schuylkill Sensory Lending Library Borrower’s Agreement and all other applicable library policies.

Patrons must be careful and vigilant when using the Sensory Item and accessories to prevent theft, loss or damages, and must not leave the Sensory Item unattended if using it outside the house. The patron is solely responsible for the Sensory Item while it is checked out and responsible for late fees and replacement costs for any damages, loss or theft.

Patrons agree that the Pottsville Free Public Library is not responsible for any manufacturing defects in quality of workmanship or materials inherent in any borrowed items. If the borrowed Sensory Item becomes unsafe or in a state of disrepair, the patron will immediately discontinue use of the Sensory Item and notify the Pottsville Free Public Library of the issue on return, if not earlier.

Patrons agree that the Pottsville Free Public Library is not responsible for any loss, damage, or injury of any nature resulting from use of the borrowed Sensory Item. Patrons agree to read any safety and instruction manuals that accompany the borrowed Sensory Item. By signing the Schuylkill Sensory Lending Library Borrower’s Agreement, patrons release the Pottsville Free Public Library from all liability, costs and damages which could arise from using the borrowed Sensory Item and accessories.

The Pottsville Free Public Library reserves the right to modify the Schuylkill Sensory Lending Library Borrowing Policy and the Schuylkill Sensory Lending Library Borrower’s Agreement at any time. By checking out a Sensory Item, the patron agrees they will not engage in illegal activities and they are solely responsible for the Sensory Item.

Adopted August 17, 2026