The Planet Library app transforms the Library into a fun and engaging digital space for children. It encourages children who love devices, games and digital content to combine these activities into a new digital library experience.
When they visit the Library, they can use Augmented Reality in the app to collect characters that are created in the library stacks. Each character animates and has its own unique story! New characters are released regularly onto the Bluetooth beacons placed around the library.
Library visits are also rewarded with virtual coins that enable children to play games that are included in the app. When they run out of coins, they need to return to the Library to collect more!
Children can compete against their friends, anyone else using their Library, or other players in the Library universe. This introduces competition to the app and this is enhanced by achievements that are unlocked as they continue to use the app.
In addition to the fun rewards, the app also helps children use the Library. They can search the library catalog for new books to read, place holds and renew checkouts. It becomes their library card so they don’t need to remember their physical library card. It will also allow them to scan barcodes of books in a store to see if they can borrow them for free at their local library.
Children can search for Library events. They can add books to their wish list, write reviews of books they’ve read and create their own personal profile and a fun avatar using block style art.
The Library’s eResources are available in the app. Children can discover them and access them through the app, including eBooks and eAudiobooks.
The app is designed for children from age 4 – 11 currently.