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Elbert County Library Adds Launchpad Tablets for Kids

Get Connected with Kid-Friendly Learning Apps, with no Wi-Fi Required!

By Amy PerezVelasco - Macaroni Kid Elberton, GA April 5, 2023

The Georgia Public Library Service, with money from the federal pandemic fund and the State of Georgia Governor’s Office, have provided Elbert County Library & Bowman Library several Launchpad Tablets! The Launchpads are pre-loaded with applications, videos and games that encourage language and literacy development.  Each tablet is designed for various age groups. Level 1 is designed for Pre-Schoolers all the way up to Level 5 for older children age 8+.


Pre-loaded with content for kids, teens, and adults, designed with a simple, easy-to-use interface, and 100% secure, Launchpad tablets are made to be passed from one set of hands to the next. No download time. No need for Wi-Fi. Access to powerful content is simple as turning on each device — anytime, anywhere.

7 Day Loan Period Max
No Holds, No Renewal


According to Librarian Burroughs, “The Launchpad tablets can be checked out to any parent or adult guardian who is willing to take on financial responsibility should their child break the tablet. The adult should have a PINES library card in good standing, and must have read and signed our Technology Lending Policy, agreeing that they understand & accept the responsibility of checking out the equipment.” 


“Because the Launchpads are $170.00 per kit, we are going to be very “picky” about the condition of the equipment when it is returned and we want to make sure that the parent understands that their child must take care of the equipment while it is charged to their account,” says Burroughs.

Launchpads  circulate for one week. At the end of that week, the Launchpad must be returned to the circulation desk of the library from which it was borrowed. Upon return of the equipment, staff will carefully power-up the Launchpad, inspect the case and charging cord to ensure that everything was returned clean and in working order. 

“This is a wonderful resource,” says Burroughs, “and we must make sure that everyone is trying their best to take care of it.”

Soon, Elbert County Library and Bowman Library will be adding Chrome laptops to their Technology Lending collection.  These too will have strict guidelines about the condition and timeliness in which the equipment is returned to the library.  Burroughs continues, “If patrons take care of the equipment, it will be a free resource for all to use for years to come. If a patron abuses the equipment and is careless, the patron will find themselves facing stiff fines, loss of library privileges, or worse—the retribution of an upset librarian!” Burroughs added with only a small hint of a grin.


Elbert County Public Library

345 Heard St, Elberton, GA 30635

(706) 283-5375

http://www.elbertlibrary.org/


PlayAway Launchpad Tablets

https://playaway.com/launchpad/