Virtual Becomes Reality At Fraser Valley Regional Library

By September 19, 2017Lifestyles & Leisure

Experience the thrill of virtual reality at the library.

Submitted. Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) has expanded its Playground to include HTC VIVE virtual reality (VR) systems. Customers can now experience the thrill of virtual reality during various free programs at FVRL’s 25 locations.

VR is an immersive computer-generated, three-dimensional interactive environment. Wearing the HTC VIVE goggles, headphones, and holding motion controllers, participants will be able to move freely around a 10×10 space and try out a mix of virtual games as well as educational experiences.

“VR is an important addition to FVRL’s Playground as we focus on providing customers with access to engaging STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) related learning experiences,” says Heather Scoular, Director of Customer Experience. “VR has many applications beyond entertainment, including learning and training. With VR, a person can learn how to land a plane, practice a life-saving surgery, or simply battle aliens on another planet – all without ever leaving their current location!”

The first VR launch event will be held at the Maple Ridge Public Library on Saturday, September 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Customers can visit www.fvrl.ca to register for a timeslot to play. Limited drop-in timeslots for play will be available on a first-come first-served basis.

Two more launch events will be held at the Sardis Library on October 14 and the City of Langley Library on November 4, with registration opening up one-week prior to the events.

Looking for other STEAM experiences? FVRL’s Playground also features a lending collection of Sphero SPRK+s (app-enabled robotic balls) and ukuleles, and in-library experiences include green screens, Makey Makeys, and KEVA Planks.

Image courtesy of Fraser Valley Regional Library

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