WAPAKONETA — In a new era of social media and technology, local libraries do what they can to keep up and maintain usefulness.
The Auglaize County Public District Library system received a big boost in that department when Arby’s Restaurant in Wapakoneta made a sizable donation.
The system’s six locations in Wapakoneta, Cridersville, Minster, New Bremen, New Knoxville and Waynesfield will open Tuesday with 24-inch Nabi Big Tab Touchscreen Tablets ready for public use.
The tablets were released by Nabi in 2014 by maker Fuhu. Manufactured with LG Electronics, the Big Tabs can connect with home appliances to create a smarter kitchen. However, for library use, they can also serve as controllers or second screens for video games, educational activities and other entertainment on the bigger displays. The Big Tab displays can be used as a television.
“We will be able to use it for programs and presentations,” said Auglaize County Library Adult Services Coordinator Andrea Burton. “We are excited to have this new technology and be a part of it.”
The Big Tab has five exclusive experiences for users. Digital story time with interactive books allows story time to be engaging. Two Play allows digital board games between two people such as checkers or chess. Game Room provides multiplayer board and arcade games. Show Time features shows from Disney and Cartoon Network. Lastly, Big Canvas includes drawing, animation, video editing and publishing applications.
The Big Tab can be put in child-safe mode, giving children access to parent-approved applications, games and content. The Big Tabs offer more than 400 parent-approved features.
The tablets will be available on a walk-in basis.
“We are just going to set them up and make them available,” Burton said. “We will see how it goes. If needed, we will set up a reservation system later.”
