Blast-off Into Learning:
Yakima Valley Libraries Now Offering Launchpad Learning Tablets for Kids
Yakima, WA – Yakima Valley Libraries is pleased to announce an exciting new addition to the wide
variety of materials available for checkout from the library: Playaway Launchpad Learning Tablets.
The tablets, which are designed just for kids ages 3-10, will be available for checkout from all Yakima
Valley Libraries locations beginning Friday, December 20.
LaunchPad learning tablets are pre-loaded with high-quality, ad-free apps that are both fun and
educational. Apps are grouped by age, grade level, subject area and themes like, language arts, math,
critical thinking and creativity—making it easy for parents and kids to choose a tablet that fits their
interests and needs.
Parents can access the information settings to learn more about how their child is using the tablet, and,
because the devices are pre-loaded and secure, there’s no download time and the tablets never connect to
the internet, which means they are 100% safe, and useable anytime, anywhere.
According to executive director Kim Hixson, “because Launchpads function in a 100% secure digital
environment and patrons will not need to go online to access this content, these devices can help bridge
the digital divide for children and students who would normally struggle to access much of today’s digital
learning content.”
Launchpads will be available in all 17 Yakima Valley Libraries locations beginning Friday, December 20.
The tablets can be borrowed for seven days at a time and, to ensure that we can serve as many patrons as
possible, check-outs are limited to two LaunchPads per library card, and the devices are not hold-able
and cannot be renewed.
Launchpads are powered by an Android operating system and feature a 7” high-definition touch screen,
external speaker, universal audio jack and a durable, and come in a protective case perfect for use by little
explorers.
Patrons can find the location and hours of their nearest community library, here: www.yvl.org/locations.
For more information about Playaway Launchpads, patrons are encouraged to visit: my.playaway.com