SCLSNJ one of the first libraries in US to offer Launchpads to patrons for check out

New learning tablets for children can now be checked out at all 10 SCLSNJ library branches

(Somerset County, NJ: August 17, 2015) All branches of Somerset County Library System of New Jersey are now offering Playaway Launchpads for patrons to check out. Findaway Company, producer of the Playaway pre-loaded audio players enjoyed by SCLSNJ patrons for years, has just introduced the Playaway Launchpad, a brand new learning tablet for children. Sold only to public libraries and schools and not available for purchase by the general public, each Launchpad tablet comes pre-loaded with ten carefully chosen, high-quality apps. SCLSNJ will be one of the first libraries in the country to circulate Launchpads with an extensive collection of more than 100 devices distributed among the ten branches.

“The Playaway Launchpads in our collection are intended for children from three to seven years and are organized around subject areas including English language arts, math, and science. Each is loaded with apps that foster literacy, critical thinking and creativity,” said Linda Tripp, collection management librarian at SCLSNJ. “With more than sixty different Launchpads in our collection, parents can easily choose among these subjects and many popular themes such as dinosaurs, princesses, animals, transportation and more to find the Launchpad that is just right for their child.”

“I believe both children and parents will enjoy the Launchpad and the many subjects,” said Laura Mellor, head of youth services at SCLSNJ’s Hillsborough Library branch. “It is my hope that after spending time on any of the subject Launchpads, the parents will find that their child is interested in learning more about dinosaurs or animals or any of the other themes. The library will then be able to provide them with some interesting books - both fiction and nonfiction - to further round out their curiosity.”

Playaway Launchpads require no batteries and can be charged with the included USB/AC power adapter. The Launchpad can be used while charging and will hold a charge for approximately 4.5 hours. The 7” tablets run on Android OS and have a high-definition touch screen, speaker with volume control, audio jack, battery indicator, and a durable protective bumper. Other features include a custom user interface that allows children to create a personal avatar, a one-touch reset button, and a parent console which provides parents with information on how the device was used by their child. Patrons can go to SCLSNJ’s library catalog, http://catalog.somerset.lib.nj.us/, for information about Launchpads available at each branch.

“Besides the quality of the apps themselves, a main consideration when deciding to carry this product for our patrons was its 100 percent secure nature,” continued Tripp. “Since the Launchpad has no camera or Wi-Fi accessibility, the child who is learning by playing also remains safe from unwanted content and advertising. The entire library staff is very excited that we can provide the latest high-tech, fun, yet educational learning tablets for use by our youngest patrons.”

SCLSNJ Playaway Launchpad circulation information:
· Patrons may check out two Launchpads per library card at a time;
· The loan period is seven days;
· Launchpads are not renewable and may not be placed on hold;
· Overdue fines are 20 cents per day;
· If a Launchpad is lost or damaged, the replacement cost is $99.
· It is preferred that a Launchpad be returned to the branch where it was checked out, but it can be returned to any of the 10 SCLSNJ library branches.

To find out more about SCLSNJ’s Playaway Launchpads, visit SCLSNJ.org or contact your local library branch. To find out more about Playaway Launchpads, visit http://www.playaway.com/launchpad/.

About Somerset County Library System of New Jersey
Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ) partners with you to connect, to explore, to share and to discover. Together we enrich lives, expand knowledge and strengthen communities. SCLSNJ branches can be found in Bridgewater, Bound Brook, Hillsborough, Manville, North Plainfield, Peapack & Gladstone, Rocky Hill at Mary Jacobs Memorial Library, Somerville, Warren Township and Watchung. Additionally, there are two SCLSNJ reading stations in Branchburg and Washington Valley. Visit SCLSNJ.org for further information about library services offered at SCLSNJ.