About the Lending Library
The Frick Environmental Center hosts a collection of exploration backpacks, assistive resources and sensory kits that visitors can borrow to enhance their comfort and visitor experience in Frick Park. The Lending Library is free to all park users and available during the FEC’s operating hours of 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily. To become a registered borrower of the lending library, complete the following steps:
- Complete the Lending Library Borrower Form by clicking here or below!
- Pick up your lending library Card at the welcome desk at the Frick Environmental Center
- Present your Lending Library Card at the welcome desk and leave either ID or keys as collateral to sign an item out.
Current Lending Library inventory consists of:
- Exploration Backpacks: Curated toolkits to help you make the most of your park visit.
- Forest Backpack
- Meadow Backpack
- Stream Backpack
- Forest Bathing Backpack
- Winter Backpack (December through March only)
- Visual Assistive Resources: Observe nature up close with a selection of binoculars, monoculars, and Enchroma glasses, with a selection of straps and harnesses.
- Nikon Binoculars with harness strap
- Hexeum 4K Digital Binoculars
- Nocs Field Tube Waterproof Monocular
- Canon PowerShot Zoom Digital Monocular
- Enchroma Glasses for alleviating red-green color blindness (adult, child and fit-over models)
- Monopod (for supporting binoculars and monoculars)
- Mobility Assistive Resources
- Hiking Poles
- Yaktrax
- Tablets: Access QR codes in the Outdoor Discovery Space and along the Sensory Nature Trail and use nature apps such as Seek.
- Apple 10.9 inch iPad Air with protective case, hand strap and neck strap
- Apple 8.3 inch iPad Mini with protective case, hand strap and neck strap
- Amazon Fire Tablet with protective case, hand strap and neck strap
- Sensory Bags
- Sensory bags containing fidget tools, weighted neck wrap, noise canceling headphones, and other resources that can be used indoors or outdoors.
The lending library has additional equipment and adapters for attaching binoculars, monoculars and tablets to tripods, monopods and wheelchairs.
Please call the Frick Environmental Center front desk at 412-586-4576 for further information and assistance with the lending library items. Lending Library items are first come, first served. You are welcome to call in advance of your visit to confirm that your desired item is available.
The Lending Library at the Frick Environmental Center is generously supported by the taxpayers of Allegheny County through a public grant from the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD).
