There is more available through the Indian River County library system than meets the eye!
While we love going to the library and checking out good old-fashioned paper books, we also love all of their more modern and unique offerings. All you need is a little ole' library card to have hours of entertainment at your fingertips! Here are our favorite items made available through the libraries in Vero Beach and Sebastian.
Movies, TV Shows, Music, Audiobooks & More with Hoopla
Hoopla is my family's new obsession! I can't believe how much free content is available with just your library card. Be aware that there are lending limits (for example, 6 audiobooks every 21 days). Click here to browse the hoopla catalog.
STEM Carts
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Carts are available for families to use on location at the Brackett and IRC Main Libraries They are self-led. Contents include items such as dot and dash smart robots, k'nex maker kit, lego education kit, microscope, thermal camera, video recording, and more. Click here to see a complete list of materials. To schedule a time to use the STEM Cart at the Main Library call (772) 400-6344 and for the Brackett Library call (772) 400-6375.
Launch Pads
These tablets have pre-downloaded educational content based on age and grade. They are not wifi capable. You can check out 1 Launch Pad per card for 1 week at a time. Launch Pads are available at the Main, Brackett, North, and Gifford branches.
E-Books & Audiobooks with Libby
If you love your electronic reading device, then this is the app for you! We discovered my son's new favorite audiobook, The Book With No Pictures, through Libby. Hoopla seems to have more content, but Libby is worth checking out. Click here to learn more about Libby.
Online Courses with LinkedIn Learning
Learn in-demand skills from real-world industry experts. All you need is your library card to access thousands of online courses. Click here to get started.
Storytime in a Bag and STEAM to Go Bags
Storytime in a Bag makes library trips and learning at home easy! There are 5 themed bags available at the IRC Main Library, Brackett Library, and North IRC Library. These bags include books, felt play pieces, math manipulatives, suggested songs, and an imaginative play item. If you love this concept, you can also put in a request to the Children's Department staff to create a book bundle specific to your child's age and/or interests. Additionally, there are STEAM to GO Bags that include coding kits, phonics kits, nature items, and more. Click here to learn more.
Vero Beach Museum of Art Admission Pass
Check out a pass for free admission to the Vero Beach Museum of Art! The pass is for one visit for two adults (children are already free) and is valid for one week from the time of checkout. Click here to find out more.
Makerspace
The North County Library's Makerspace is a self-led area with various materials and tools to explore and create with. Materials include a Cricut machine, 3D printer, laser engraver, sewing machine, and more. Click here for a complete list of materials available and more details.
I hope this has inspired you to dust off your library card or maybe even get one for the first time! As always, you can find all of the Indian River County library events on our Macaroni KID Vero Beach calendar.
