Virtual reality offers real life fun and experiences

It seems like a new must-have technology pops out of the universe every week. If it’s not a new gadget or system, it is an upgrade that leaves your current device obsolete. No wonder so many of us refuse to buy into the latest craze.

Some people want to be on the cutting edge, while others wait to see if a technology proves to be all that it claims. Remember Blu-ray, QR codes, and Crystal Pepsi? Aren’t you glad you didn’t replace all of your DVD’s with new Blu-ray movies? Now that I think of it, the hundreds of dollars you saved on that may be less than the combined sum of your Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and YouTube TV subscriptions over the past few years. Of course, you’d still be spending that anyway. On a side note, you can reduce your streaming spend when you stream movies and shows from Hoopla in the Digital Library at ebonnerlibrary.org. Now, back to the story.

One reason we may hesitate to try a new technology is because we don’t understand its value to us personally. What do you think when you hear about VR, AR, AI, 4G, and 3D? Virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, 4th generation mobile networks, and 3D technologies (the new industry buzz word for all of those is “extended reality”) have secured a foothold in mainstream technology. How will they impact your life, if they haven’t already done so? Let’s look at just one of those: virtual reality.

Virtual reality is commonly associated with gaming and entertainment. Not a gamer? You may not see the practical value of trying out The Library’s VR Room. Would it surprise you to know that VR is used in medicine, corporate trainings, virtual chat rooms, art, and live virtual experiences, like concerts and conferences? Virtual reality is currently being used as a surgical training tool and has taken classrooms full of children to places across the globe. These are not the future potential of VR. These things are already happening.

Researchers are currently studying how virtual reality immersive therapies can be used to help people with debilitating phobias and disorders. Automobile, technology, and clothing retailers are eyeing VR for its potential try-it-before-you-buy-it capabilities. Some companies plan to use it to enhance the customer experience in other ways. Imagine using VR to figure out how to put together your new Ikea purchase.

A little dabbling in VR now could prepare you for a time when the technology becomes mainstream in education, career, art, health, and social circles. When you use the VR Room at The Library, you’ll be assisted by trained library staff who will ensure your safety while you explore the virtual world. It is a great opportunity to try it out in a comfortable, supervised setting at no direct cost. While only one person at a time can use it, couples and families have found it to be a great way to enjoy time together. If you would like to schedule a small corporate group, please contact Amanda at 208-263-6930, ext. 1242.

Weekly drop-in sessions are open on Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. and reservations for 15-minute sessions can be made on Fridays, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and Saturdays, 2 - 5 p.m. Drop in or schedule an appointment for a staff-guided demonstration to experience VR yourself. When buying new clothes involves trying them on in a virtual fitting room, you’ll be glad you did.

All of the following classes and events take place at the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar Street, unless otherwise noted.

East Bonner County Library

District Schedule

- Fridays — Explore Virtual Reality (reserve sessions), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reserve a 15-minute session in the VR room at ebonnerlibrary.org/Events on the event listing. Info: Contact the Tech Desk, 208-263-6930, ext.1251.

- Fridays — Clark Fork Mother Goose, 10:15 a.m. at the Clark Fork branch library. A special story time for babies and toddlers followed by 20 minutes of play time. Info: 208-266-1321.

- Saturdays — Explore Virtual Reality (reserve sessions), 2-4 p.m. Reserve a 15-minute session in the new VR room at ebonnerlibrary.org/Events on the event listing. Info: Contact the Tech Desk, 208-263-6930, ext.1251.

- Monday, Feb. 25 — Monday Movie, “Bolt”, 3:15 p.m. in the glass children’s area. Info: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211 or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesdays ­— Mother Goose. 10 a.m. in the glass children’s area. Stories and singing for babies and toddlers 0-3 yrs. and their caregivers with stay & play until 10:40 a.m. Info: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211 or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesdays ­— Preschool Stories. 11 a.m. in the glass children’s area. Stories and crafts for kids and their caregivers. Info: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211 or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesdays ­— Explore Virtual Reality – drop-in sessions. 3-6 p.m., drop-in 15-minute sessions. First come, first served. All ages welcome. Under 18 must accompany parent consent form. Under 10 must be accompanied by parent/legal guardian. Info: Contact the Tech Desk 208-263-6930, ext.1251.

- Tuesdays, Feb. 26 — Poetry for Kids, 3:30 p.m.,in the glass children’s area. Learn about and write shape poems. Info: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211 or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesdays ­— MAGIC the Gathering, 3:30-5 p.m. Teens meet in Community Room A to play the game, MAGIC. Info: 208-263-6930, ext. 1245 or kimber@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesdays ­— Away with Words, 6 p.m. in the YA Reading Area. A creative writing workshop for teens with Beth Weber. Whether you are a poet, penner of short stories, or working on the great American novel, join us at the library to make your literary endeavor come to life. Info: kimber@ebonnerlibrary.org or 208-263-6930, ext. 1245.

- Wednesdays — Clark Fork Stories and More, 10:30 a.m. at the Clark Fork branch library. Stories, crafts, prizes and snacks for kids ages 3-8.

- Wednesday, Feb. 27 — T-Shirt Painting for Kids, 3 p.m. in Community Room B. Paint your own design on a T-shirt. Shirts and paints provided. Free and open to third to fifth graders. Call Suzanne to register beginning Feb. 19, 208-263-6930, ext. 1211.

- Wednesday, Feb. 27 — Teen Zine Creation. 4:30-6 p.m. in the Teen Lounge. Teens! Make a mini-magazine about whatever interests you. Small, personalized, and so much fun! Info: kimber@ebonnerlibrary.org or 208-263-6930, ext. 1245.

- Wednesday, Feb. 27 — 3D Printing Club. 4:30 - 6 p.m. in the VR Room. Drop in the fourth Wednesday of the month to join us at our 3D Printing Club. Collaborate with others and learn more from staff about 3D printing and design. A few laptops will be provided or you may bring your own device. Open to all ages and skill levels. Info: 208-263-6930, ext. 1251.

- Wednesday, Feb. 27 —”Digital Disconnect: How Capitalism is Turning the Internet Against Democracy”, 6 p.m. in the Community Rooms. Attend a screening of this one-hour documentary, adapted from the book by Robert W. McChesney which takes a look at the Internet and how it has revolutionized communication – and whether it has been the egalitarian platform for thought and information that was envisioned when it all began. Following the showing, Chris Bessler of Keokee Media and Marketing and publisher of SandpointOnline.com, will lead a discussion. Information: 208-265-2665.

- Thursdays — Infant Lap-Sit Rhyme Time. 10 a.m. in the glass children’s area. Meet other parents and share in free early language and development classes for infants and pre-walkers. For more information, contact Suzanne Davis at 208-263-6930, ext. 1211 or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Now through March 15 — The Library’s Winter Reading Challenge. For all ages! A new adult reading challenge is now open! Register for the Winter Reading Challenge to log your reading and read-to-me time for prizes, drawings, and a party! Details at ebonnerlibrary.org. Contact Suzanne Davis for more information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211 or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- StoryWalk — Pages from a children’s book are posted along a trail for a fun, family experience. Enjoy “From Head to Toe” by Eric Carle at Dover City Park and “A Hat for Minerva Louise” by Janet Morgan Stoeke at McNearney Park. Read, connect, and get outside at a StoryWalk, a partnership of The Library, Kaniksu Land Trust, city of Dover, and city of Ponderay. For more information, visit Facebook.com/BonnerStoryWalk.

Marcy Timblin is in charge of public relations, marketing & community development for the East Bonner County Library District. She can be reached at 208-208- 208-263-6930, ext. 1204.