The Clay Center Carnegie Library launched multiple new resources this week, thanks to the Friends of the Clay Center Library. The nonprofit organization, which is run by a board of local volunteers, provided two new services for the location.
First, a new AWE Learning Machine for the children’s library. The kid-friendly computer hosts learning games that cover science, math, art, engineering, and reading, said Brittany Girton, Library Director. The library previously hosted an AWE Learning Machine that was purchased over 10 years ago. The new model is faster and hosts far more games, as well as an updated display system, Girton said.
“A lot of kids use it,” she said. “The staff has been really excited to get the new one and have it up and running for our visitors.”
The machine is available for use in English, Spanish, or French.
Friends of the Library also provided new audiobook resources for kids. A Toniebox and Yoto Player, which play recorded audio files for kids, are now available for checkout.
The Toniebox is geared toward kids ages 3-6 and works by inserting cards into the device, and the Yoto Player is geared toward kids 6-12 and plays when a plastic figure is placed atop the box.
Each audio player comes with a case and headphones.
An assortment of stories were also purchased by the Friends of the Library, including 64 Tonie cards and more than 30 Tonie characters. Patrons can check out the devices with up to three audio stories. In addition, those who have the players at home can check out different audiobooks for use at home.
The idea came from Friends member, Gabbi Bergmann, who learned the players were available for checkout at the Wichita Library.
“We talked about it at the meeting and it turned out a lot of the members already had players for their kids,” she said. “Or were thinking about getting them. We thought this would be a good way for people to try them out to see if they want to buy. Or to check out new stories for their kids to listen to.”
Girton agreed with the idea, stating that audiobooks are popular with adults and teenagers, but are harder with kids, who don’t have phones to listen to or check out audio files.
“It’s a great way to introduce kids to audiobooks and to hear more books,” she said.
Residents with a Clay Center Library card can check out the players and/or audiobooks themselves after signing a waiver.
The players, audiobooks, and AWE Learning Machine can be found in the basement or children’s section of the library.
