County Libraries Offer Tablets, Telescopes, Fort Kits & Games!

By Nichole Richardson

St. Louis County Libraries are upping their game with new rental items such as games, puzzles, and even portable projectors!
One of the newer choices is the GrandPad tablet. It’s designed to meet the needs of those over the age of 75 to access technology and stay connected to loved ones throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
“People are slowly making their way back to the library–pre-COVID our annual visits were over 5 million. Last year we had roughly 2 million visitors,” said St. Louis County Library Communications Manager Jennifer McBride. The initial 1,500 GrandPad tablets were purchased using $1 million in federal CARES Act funds.
With the $2 million: $1 million will be used to pay for an additional year of the 1,500 GrandPads currently in use by County residents. $1 million will be used to purchase an additional 1,500 GrandPads for use by older adult residents.

Aside from print books and magazines, there is a whole plethora of online resources and available rentals. “eMedia resources continue to be very popular. Last year we circulated over 2.8 million eMedia titles,” noted McBride.
In-person programming should be making a comeback this spring, however. “Our virtual programs continue to be very popular. Last year over 200k people attended an online program,” said McBride.

“Library of Things”

• Binoculars
• Puzzles
• Fishing Equipment
• Chromebook & Hotspots
• Musical Instruments
• Portable Projectors
• Telescopes
• Games
• Puzzles
• Fort-Building Kits
• Book a Genealogist
• Book a Trainer
• Earn a HS Dipolma
• eCourses, Tutoring, and more!

Photo: St. Louis County has allocated $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to continue the GrandPad tablet program in conjunction with the St. Louis County Library.

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