Luca Lechner uses one of the new Launchpads at the “Bloom and Lanscape” station Tuesday at the North Trails Public Library. At this station, the children matched various seeds to the plant photos they would become. They also planted a zinnia seed to take home. Submitted Photo

CHERRY TWP — Parents who take their children to the North Trails Public Library can now take home interactive tablets along with books.

At a family event Tuesday, April 4, the library, 1553 W. Sunbury Road, formally announced that an additional 16 Playaway Launchpads are available to borrow.

The Launchpads are preloaded tablets designed to be self-sustaining. They run the Android operating system, and they are ad-free and application-based. With an easy-to-use interface that doesn’t need Wi-Fi, the innovative resource is safe, fun and educational for children.

The Launchpad redefines learning within the library systems and helps bridge the gap of the digital divide, said Kelly Terwilliger, youth service coordinator at the library.

Wyatt Miller and Aven Link build bridges at the North Trails Public Library. Submitted Photo

Terwilliger, a retired teacher, applied for and received a Dollar General Youth Literacy Grant, which enabled the library to purchase 16 devices to add to their existing three. The effort is intended to support early literacy, critical thinking and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) education disciplines in a fun and entertaining way to the community.

The multiple-module structure combines applications, videos and storybooks for a learning experience that teaches reading and writing skills; practices motor and cognitive skills, math and science, and language and literacy; as well as music, art and social-emotional skills.

“We want the community to realize that the library is more than books. We have more resources,” said Terwilliger.

The Launchpads are preloaded with different concepts for preschool students to second-graders, including reading activities, videos and music.

The 8-inch tablets are secure and prevent the risk of exposure to outside content, said Terwilliger. They have long-lasting batteries, are durable, and have external speakers and universal audio jacks, she said. No connectivity or downloads are required for use. With their one-touch reset feature, they are designed for library circulation.

Kenley Miller uses a Bee-Bot robot at the North Trails Public Library. She drew a card, “Monarch,” and then programmed the Bee-Bot to move from the start position to that location on the mat. Submitted Photo

The Tuesday event to introduce the Launchpads had five stations with hands-on activities that tied into the theme of the Launchpad. Children used blocks to build bridges, make necklaces and more.

The Launchpads became available for check out following the event. The process is the same as checking out a book, and the Launchpads can be borrowed for three weeks. Terwilliger notes that it can be returned to any library that’s part of the Butler County Federated Library System.

Terwilliger said that she and Kathy Kline, library director, enthusiastically support early education initiatives.

The library hosts preschool story time on Mondays and STEAM Days monthly; and there are summer reading programs for youth, teens and adults.

“It’s never too early to work with your child. Focusing on STEAM education in a younger child’s life helps prepare them for early education,” Terwilliger said.