Library Launches iPad Station for Littlest Patrons

Library Director Jan Hinderer likes to stand back and watch the way her littlest library patrons focus on the task at hand. In this case, it's playing at the new iPad station in the Children's Library.

"Look. That one looks like a little executive," said Hinderer, pointing to Chrishalise Pinet, who was tapping the screen with a focused finger at regular intervals.

The set up is ideal for kids ages  2 to 11 who can sit two-to-a-seat if they like, and select from dozens of apps, like Doodle Truck; Toca Tea Party, Hair Salon, and Kitchen; Bugs and Buttons; and Don’t Let the Pigeon Run This App.

Children’s Librarian Kathy Bolton said that after two days she has yet to get a request for help from the children using the iPads. “It’s amazing,” she noted, “within minutes of their being installed, kids were swiping and tapping at the screens. Using these machines comes so naturally to them.”

The iPads are not connected to the Internet, so parents need not worry about their children being exposed to inappropriate material. “We looked at other standalone early literacy computers for the Children’s Room,” Hinderer said, “but we were able to purchase four iPads, including apps, for what just one of the other systems would have cost.” 

The budget for the set up was about $2,300, and when it's time to upgrade, it will only cost about $300 per unit, Hinderer said.

"We were thinking about upgrading our PCs, but then we stepped back and considered what the kids are using at home and at school – and will be using in the future," Hinderer said.

Two girls plop down in front of a screen and twist it around to a horizontal position, immediately tapping at the screen together, like a high-octane piano duo at Carnegie Hall, only without sheet music, or any music, actually. They are working together at painting something, agreeing to disagree on color scheme.

"There are a lot of literacy and life skills involved, puzzle solving and counting," Hinderer said, folding her arms and watching the kids explore. "It's amazing to watch them. They intuitively know just what to do and what to press."