The entrance to the sensory space at the Penn State DuBois Library. The space opened during the fall 2024 semester, thanks in part to a donation by Brett and Danielle Spencer.
DuBOIS, Pa. — During the fall semester, the Penn State DuBois Library celebrated the official opening of its Sensory Study Space, a thoughtfully designed room tailored to support student well-being and enhance the campus study experience. This innovative space was made possible in part by a donation from Brett Spencer, a reference librarian at Penn State Berks, and his wife, Danielle, in memory of her mother, Marcia Lynne Anderson Jackson. Jackson, a DuBois native, passed away in 2023. The donation also honors her grandson, Trent Lee Spencer, who is autistic and has benefited from sensory rooms throughout his life.
A view inside the sensory space at the Penn State DuBois Library. The Moon Pod, a donation from Brett and Danielle Spencer, is visible on the lower right side of the photo.
The Sensory Study Space, located within the library, reimagines a former group study room into a calming retreat where students can customize their environment to suit their individual needs. Collaborating with Penn State University Libraries colleagues and the campus counselor, the library team gathered ideas to create a space that has quickly become a favorite among students. Open for only a short time, the room has already garnered praise for its inviting and functional design.
A space for comfort and focus
The sensory room features a variety of seating options, including a Moon Pod chair, donated by the Spencers; a wobble cushion; and a whiteboard study table. The Moon Pod donation holds special significance, as it commemorates Jackson’s DuBois roots, which trace back to prominent local families, and honors her legacy of care and connection.
In addition to seating, the space includes sensory-friendly items such as fluorescent light covers, fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones, a bubble tower, colored lights and mood sunglasses. A touch therapy light and a push-peel sensory activity board add to the experience, along with live plants that bring a touch of nature indoors. Outside the room, students can browse a wellness and well-being book collection to further support their mental health and academic success.
The Moon Pod that was donated by Brett and Danielle Spencer inside the sensory space at the Penn State DuBois Library. The space opened during the fall 2024 semester.
Accessible resources for all students
The Sensory Study Space is available to students for two-hour booking periods. Recognizing the diverse needs of the student body, the library also offers Sensory Study Kits for three-day checkouts. These kits enable students to create their own sensory-friendly environments on campus or at home, containing items such as noise-canceling headphones, multi-colored lights, noise machines and fidget tools.
Honoring a legacy
The Spencers’ donation pays tribute to Jackson’s enduring connection to the DuBois community. Her family’s deep roots include ties to local Civil War veterans Isaiah S. Davis, John M. Davis and William Davison, who served in the 148th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry under the leadership of Col. James A. Beaver, a former Pennsylvania governor and Penn State president.
Marcia Lynne Anderson Jackson, whom the Spencers honored with their donation to the sensory space at the Penn State DuBois Library.
“With our family’s connection to DuBois through Danielle’s mother, Marcia, and our connection with the University Libraries, this donation was the perfect opportunity for us to create a lasting legacy,” Spencer said. “We also wanted our donation to have an impact for students at the DuBois campus as well. The Moon Pod was an excellent fit for this by helping create a study space that is accessible for everyone and helps students achieve their academic goals.”
According to information provided by the company, Moon Pods provide many benefits that make them a great fit for the Sensory Study Space. The Moon Pod is designed to provide relaxation that researchers have found links to reducing chronic stress, while increasing cardiovascular health. The pod delivers a weightless sensation that is engineered to mimic a floating sensation during restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST). REST has shown positive preliminary results in reducing stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia.
"We are deeply grateful for this generous donation, which allowed us to enhance our library offerings and provide a unique space for our students," said Emily Zimmerman, reference and instruction librarian at the Penn State DuBois Library. "The Sensory Study Space reflects our commitment to supporting academic success and overall well-being. This space is something we hope we can continue to develop further to make it an even more inviting and integral part of our campus."
Gifts to the Penn State DuBois Library advance the University’s historic land-grant mission to serve and lead. Through philanthropy, alumni and friends are helping students to join the Penn State family and prepare for lifelong success; driving research, outreach and economic development that grow our shared strength and readiness for the future; and increasing the University’s impact for families, patients and communities across the commonwealth and around the world. Learn more by visiting raise.victorybreastimaging.com.
