Fraser Coast Libraries are embracing the digital age following the launch of new Emerging Technology equipment in the Children’s Areas in Hervey Bay and Maryborough branches.
Councillor for Community, Heritage and Family Services George Seymour unveiled the new ‘children’s rockets’ during children’s story time, complete with iPads displaying a range of fun and educational apps.
“These are multisensory tools that engage children in a creative and collaborative environment,” he said.
“These sorts of technologies are now an integral part of the education system and children are very tech savvy.
“It’s important that the libraries keep abreast of the latest trends and technologies and incorporate them into the services that we offer.
“It’s a great initiative and our staff has done a fantastic job getting them up and running.”
The rockets are part of the libraries’ Emerging Technology projects which also include a coffee table iPad kiosk for older patrons, a technology tool bar for hands on exploration of new digital tools and a new collection of Kobo e-readers available for loan.
Each reader comes pre-loaded with up to 10 current bestselling titles from five different genres.
Cr Seymour hoped the new service will encourage those who don’t have an e-reader to borrow one and try it out as a prelude to buying their own and enjoying the downloadable books available from the Libraries’ website.
“There will be four e-readers in each genre, all loaded with the same content.”
Chargers will be included and each e-reader will be on loan for a period of three weeks.
Basic instructions will also be included.
“At the libraries we are always looking at new and different ways to serve the community.
“They are active and engaging community spaces and we have been very pleased to see increasing membership numbers from people of all ages.”
