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9 Things To Check Out At Indian River Libraries (Besides Books!)

Hours of entertainment is available with just your Indian River County library card!

By Alison Ellis, publisher of Macaroni KID Vero Beach July 10, 2024

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 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. 

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, and 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. 


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. 

Launch Pads

These tablets have pre-downloaded educational content based on age and grade. They are not wifi capable. You can use these in-library or 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. 

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

Programming

The library has great programming for babies through adults! From storytime to Lego building to special events, there is something for everyone. I include library programming on our events calendar to make it easy for you. 

Movies, TV Shows, Music, Audiobooks & More with Hoopla

Hoopla is one of my favorite things! 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). Make sure you check out their BingePass collections if you're looking to maximize your content. Click here to browse the hoopla catalog. 

E-Books, E-Magazines, & Audiobooks with Libby 

If you love your electronic reading device, then this is the app for you! If you can't find what you're looking for on Hoopla, make sure you check Libby, too! Click here to learn more about Libby. 

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. 

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. 

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