Staff writer
The addition of programmed tablets to the children’s section of Peabody Township Library will mean more technology tools are available to a generation that will grow up with more than any other age group.
In an effort to keep youngsters engaged in learning at the library, Librarian Rodger Charles applied for and received a technology grant from Kansas Book Festival.
The grant was written for $1,250, $750 of which was from Kansas Book Festival. The remainder will be local contributions.
Charles said the money will be used to purchase 11 Playaway Launchpads for use by children from preschool to sixth grade.
“Launchpads are tablets, each programmed with nine books and one activity. The state library has some they loan out and we have had use of them here.”
Charles will take them to Peabody-Burns Elementary School and work with PBES teachers and staff to familiarize them with the tablets.
“For each age group there are many topics available,” he said. “We will leave the tablets at the grade school library for students to use, and at the end of the school year pick them up and take them back to PTL.”
Children may use them on site, but they will not be allowed to check them out.
“Topics on Launchpads cover a variety of areas. Art, science, math, language arts, music, social studies, critical thinking, and more are included, geared to the age group of the reader,” Charles said.