Library
PEARL Library
Using the PEARL Lending Library is so helpful because by borrowing materials instead of purchasing them, you can take advantage of other opportunities like Community-Based Instructors (CBIs), field trips, and additional learning resources.
Using the PEARL Lending Library
Using the PEARL Lending Library provides access to a wide range of materials. The guidelines below will help you request and manage items effectively.
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- Browse the library catalog
- Request items through your account
- Items are shipped directly to your home
- You will receive confirmation and shipping emails
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- All items must relate to a subject on your student’s SLP
- Requests are submitted through your library account
- Availability may vary depending on demand
- Requests are processed in the order they are received
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- Materials are typically checked out for the school year
- Materials may be kept for up to two years if they remain listed on the student’s SLP
- Families must return materials before requesting new items
- All items must be returned when they are no longer in use or no longer listed on the SLP
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Each time materials are sent to you, you will receive an email confirming what was shipped. These emails help you track what you should receive and how items are classified.
Items from purchase orders will be labeled as either non-consumable (NC) or consumable (Cons).
- Non-consumable (NC) items must be returned
- Consumable (Cons) items do not need to be returned
- This classification will be clearly marked in your confirmation email
Your email will include:
- Item names
- Quantity
- Classification (NC or Cons)
- Barcode numbers
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Each time materials are sent to you, you will receive an email confirming what was shipped. These emails help you track what you should receive and how items are classified.
When items are borrowed from the PEARL Lending Library, you will receive two emails:
- A “Checkout Receipt” listing all borrowed items
- A shipment confirmation email when items are sent
Important notes:
- The checkout receipt is generated shortly after your order is processed
- Items may not always be listed in the order they were requested
- If your list is long, you may need to log into your library account to view all items
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- Open your package within a few days of receiving it
- Compare the contents to your confirmation email
- Make sure all items are included and in good condition
- Contact PEARL within one week of receiving your package if:
- Items are missing
- Items are damaged
- Items do not match your confirmation email
- After one week, issues with shipments may no longer be able to be resolved
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Materials are shipped to the physical address we have on file for your family.
Address on File
- Most packages are shipped through USPS; larger packages may be shipped with UPS
- All materials are sent to the address currently on file
Updating Your Address
- Any changes to your address must be sent to the registrar
- Contact Amanda Jones at ajones@qsd48.org to update your address
- Address updates should be submitted as soon as possible
Important Reminders
- It is your responsibility to keep your address current
- Delays in updating your address may result in shipping issues
Responsibility for Misdelivered Packages
- Materials shipped to an outdated address due to failure to update information will be charged to your account
- Charges may include:
- Shipping costs
- Replacement of materials that are not recovered
Returning Materials
PEARL materials may be returned in person or shipped back to the school. Please review the information below carefully before returning materials or submitting a postage reimbursement request.
Failure to follow the shipping and reimbursement requirements outlined below may result in denial of postage reimbursement.
Before You Ship: Quick Reference
✓ Packages 30 lbs or less must be shipped through USPS using Ground Advantage.
✓ Packages weighing 30–50 lbs may be shipped through USPS or UPS.
✓ Do not ship boxes over 50 lbs.
✓ Combine materials into as few boxes as possible. Multiple boxes may not be reimbursed if items could have fit in one box.
✓ PEARL reimburses postage only. Boxes, packing supplies, insurance, Flat Rate boxes, expedited shipping, and other optional fees are not reimbursable.
✓ Ship through an official USPS Post Office or UPS location.
✓ Save your receipt and submit your Postage Expense Claim Form within 30 days of shipment.
✓ Returning only books and CDs/DVDs? Ask about USPS Media Mail to save money.
| If Your Package Weighs... | Use... |
|---|---|
| 0–30 lbs | USPS Ground Advantage |
| 30–50 lbs | USPS or UPS |
| Over 50 lbs | Split into multiple boxes |
Common Reasons Reimbursements Are Denied
- Package under 30 lbs shipped through UPS instead of USPS Ground Advantage
- Use of Flat Rate boxes or envelopes
- Multiple small boxes when one larger box would have worked
- Claim form submitted more than 30 days after shipment
- Requesting reimbursement for packing supplies, insurance, or other extra fee
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Materials may be returned directly to the PEARL library at any time. There will also be opportuntiies in the spring with our Around the Sound curriculum return as well as at the end of year pictic. Please ensure all borrowed materials are returned in good condition and are in clearly labeled boxes.
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If you are unable to return materials in person, you may ship them back to PEARL.
Before shipping:
- Package materials securely to prevent damage during transit.
- Remove or cover any old shipping labels.
- Use appropriately sized boxes and combine materials whenever possible.
- Keep your shipping receipt. A receipt is required for postage reimbursement.
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To qualify for postage reimbursement, the following requirements must be followed exactly:
Package Weight Approved Shipping Method 0–30 lbs USPS Ground Advantage only 30–50 lbs USPS or UPS Over 50 lbs Not eligible. Split materials into additional boxes. -
Postage reimbursement will only be processed for packages shipped through:
- An official USPS Post Office
- An official UPS location
We do not reimburse shipments sent through other carriers, third-party shipping services, or shipping stores.
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If your Postage Expense Claim Form is not included with the returned materials, it must be received within 30 days of the shipment date.
Claims received after 30 days will not be processed.
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To help keep shipping costs reasonable, please follow these guidelines:
- Do not pack boxes weighing more than 50 lbs.
- Combine materials into as few boxes as possible.
- Multiple return packages will not be reimbursed if the materials could reasonably have been combined into a larger box weighing less than 40 lbs.
- Multiple small boxes will not be reimbursed simply because larger boxes were not available.
PEARL reserves the right to deny reimbursement for unnecessary shipping expenses caused by improper packaging.
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PEARL Reimburses
- Postage costs only
PEARL Does Not Reimburse
- USPS Flat Rate boxes or envelopes
- Shipping boxes
- Packing materials
- Additional insurance
- Home pickup services
- Overnight or expedited shipping
- Special handling fees
- Any other optional shipping charges
Exceptions may be made only when specifically authorized by the PEARL library.
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If your return consists only of books and/or CDs/DVDs, you may be eligible to use USPS Media Mail.
Media Mail is often the least expensive shipping option for these types of returns and can help reduce shipping costs.
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To receive reimbursement:
- Complete a Postage Expense Claim Form.
- Include a copy of your shipping receipt.
- Submit the form with your returned materials whenever possible.
- If submitted separately, ensure the form is received within 30 days of the shipment date.
Incomplete forms or forms submitted without proof of postage may delay or prevent reimbursement.