Take Home Tech

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

Search the catalog for Take Home Tech

 Orion Starblast Telescope

Explore the night sky with the Orion Starblast 4.5" Table Top Telescope. This grab-and-go telescope is designed for entry-level and intermediate astronomy enthusiasts was donated to VBPL by the Back Bay Amateur Astronomers. Telescopes may be checked out for 7 days.

Note – this is an oversized item, with transportation bin measuring 35"x21"

Search the catalog for Orion Starblast Telescopes.

 WiFi Hotspots

Now lending: wireless hotspots! A Virginia Beach Public Library card 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 Sprint's mobile network. You can check the coverage area on Sprint'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.

 PlayAway View
​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.

 Code-a-pillar

Welcome to the world of Computer Science and coding! 

The Fisher-Price® Think & Learn Code-a-pillar™ is an engaging toy that your child can "program" to go in all kinds of directions. Each easy-to-connect segment represents a different piece of "code" – go straight, turn left, turn right and play a sound.  By experimenting with different combinations to create new "programs" for the Code-a-pillar 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.

 Roku

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 ​T​​V​ 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

 

Using VUDU and Lynda.com on the Roku

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 Sphero Robot

​What is a Sphero Robot?

Sphero is a ball robot with some amazing capabilities. 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.

For more information or help using the Sphero, check out their support site.

Why is the Library Offering the Sphero Robot?

VBPL is committed to providing the community with a variety of fun learning opportunities. The Sphero is a great option for demystifying coding and sparking curiosity about Computer Science and robotics for youth ages 8 and up. 

In addition to teaching programming and computational thinking concepts, Sphero also fosters 21st Century skills including creativity, collaboration, problem-solving and critical thinking.

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