Take Home Tech :: VBgov.com - City of Virginia Beach

Take Home Tech

Try out a new technology with your library account! Two Take Home Tech items may be checked out per account at a time. View the Library Account page for more information about checking out materials.

Find Take Home Tech

Astronomy

Measuring Light in the Night Kit

Light pollution is intrusive artificial (usually outdoor) light. Too much light pollution can wash out starlight in the night sky, interfere with astronomical research, disrupt ecosystems, have adverse health effects, and waste energy. Globe at Night is an international community science project that involves the public in measuring and collecting night sky brightness observations to help scientists understand the impact of light pollution on local energy consumption, plants, wildlife, and human health. Use this kit to measure the light in the night sky and then submit your observations on the Globe at Night website.

Telescopes

Explore the night sky with the one of our tabletop telescopes, designed for entry-level and intermediate astronomy enthusiasts. You may receive either a Orion Starblast 4.5" Table Top Telescope or Zhumell Portable Altazimuth Reflector Telescope. Telescopes may be checked out for 7 days.

Search the catalog for Telescopes.

Zhumell Z100 Portable Altazimuth Telescopes

Orion Starblast 4.5" Table Top Telescope

Donated by the Back Bay Amateur Astronomers.
Note: this item comes in a 35"x21" transportation bin.

Zhumell Z100 Portable Altazimuth Telescopes

Coding Robots

These coding robots help to demystify coding and spark curiosity about computer science and robotics, in addition to fostering 21st century skills such as creativity, collaboration, problem-solving and critical thinking.

Artie 3000

Artie 3000 is a drawing robot for kids ages 7-12 that teaches coding using visual block programming. See what Artie can draw using pre-programmed designs or code your own masterpiece!

Code-a-pillar Twist

The Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-a-pillar Twist is an engaging toy that your child can "program" to go in all kinds of directions. Each segment has a dial with different "codes" – go straight, turn left, turn right or play several sounds. By experimenting with different combinations to create new "programs" for the Code-a-pillar Twist to follow, your child will begin developing skills used in computer science careers, including sequencing (putting information in a certain order), critical thinking, problem-solving and persistence.
Recommended for ages 3-5.

Code ‘N Learn Kinderbot

The Fisher-Price Code ‘N Learn KinderBot is a lively, interactive toy that teaches early math concepts, colors, shapes and more through fun coding activities! Three play modes – free coding, learning challenges, and “secret codes” – offer a variety of engaging learning opportunities for kids.
Recommended for ages 3-6.

Dash and Dot

Dash and Dot are Bluetooth-connected programmable robots with lights, sensors, and fun sounds for kids ages 6+. Dash can move all around, while Dot prefers to stay put or be gently handled by you. The possibilities with Dash and Dot are endless – challenge yourself to code Dash through a maze, launch balls into a basket, create and play music, and more!

Sphero Robot

Sphero is a ball robot with some amazing capabilities thanks to its many sensors! The Sphero Edu app offers basic tutorials for learning about coding as well as a visual drag-and-drop interface to program the robot's lights, sounds and movement. The robot also has a full suite of sensors that you can use when coding, including a collision sensor, gyroscope, velocity sensor, accelerometer and more.
Recommended for ages 8 and up.

GoPros

Record your outdoor adventures, capture memories while travelling, or create high-quality video productions with a GoPro kit. Each kit includes a GoPro HERO9 camera, as well as various attachments for a variety of uses. The four kits are:

GoPro Travel Kit – Good for vlogging and time lapse
GoPro Production Kit – Good for vlogging and streaming
GoPro Sports Kit – Good for biking, paddling, and surfing
GoPro Adventure Kit – Good for hiking and exploring

Photo Scanners

ClearClick Photo Scanner

Save old photographs and important documents as digital files using this handy portable scanner. Connects to a computer to transfer files.

Titan 8-in-1 High-Definition Film to Digital Converter

Convert photo, film, and slide negatives into 20 megapixel digital images to save and share. Easily connects to any Windows PC or MAC to offload images or view on a TV (TV cable not included).

PlayAway Views

Recommended for children ages 2-7, PlayAway Views feature digital content based on original illustrations and text from classic storybooks including "Sesame Street," "Clifford the Big Red Dog," "Goosebumps" and more. Videos range in length from 30 minutes to 2 hours. A variety of Views are available for checkout on a first come, first served basis. You can also place holds on the devices in the library catalog.

Rokus

With a Roku streaming stick, you can stream a variety of content to your TV.

Available Roku Apps

Digital Movies and TV Shows

View a list of digital movies and TV shows that have been added to each Roku. These videos are available in the VUDU app. If you'd like to request a specific Roku, please ask a staff member for assistance.

Setting Up the Roku

VUDU and Lynda.com on the Roku

WiFi Hotspots

A Virginia Beach Public Library account is all you need to check out a wireless internet hotspot for up to three weeks. With a wireless hotspot, you and your family can access the internet while on the go.

Connect Using the Network Name and Password

Power on the hotspot by pressing the power button on the bottom of the hotspot.
Turn the hotspot over to see the hotspot name and password.
Go to your device's network or WiFi settings and find the network whose name matches the name printed on the back of the hotspot.
Select the hotspot and enter in the hotspot's password (found on the back of the hotspot).

Connect Using the QR Code

Open your device's QR reader (if you have an Apple device, you can just use your camera, otherwise, you can use any QR reader app that you have downloaded).
Point your device's camera to the QR code on the back of the hotspot.
When a notification appears asking if you would like to connect to the hotspot's network, press the notification and accept the connection.

FAQs

How many devices can connect to the hotspot at once?

You can connect up to 10 devices at one time.

How fast is the internet speeds on this hotspot?

The hotspot's average download speed is 6 megabits per second.

Where does this hotspot work? Can I take it out of the country?

The hotspot only works in the United States. The hotspots use T-Mobile’s mobile network . You can check the coverage area on T-Mobile's coverage map.

How much data can I use?

The hotspot has an unlimited data plan. However, once the hotspot has used 23GB of data in a single billing cycle, Sprint may throttle internet speeds during peak times.

How long does the battery last?

The battery can last up to 10 hours of continuous use.