Craven-Pamlico Regional Library aims to overcome social isolation and expand the horizons of patrons
Quick read
➨ Rendever, the US company specialising in VR for seniors, will provide its system to all five of Craven-Pamlico Regional Library’s member libraries
➨ Craven-Pamlico Regional Library is able to roll out VR across its libraries thanks to a state grant
➨ Rendever’s first partnership with a public library system follows the launch of a new interdisciplinary VR fitness app earlier this month
The story
Craven-Pamlico Regional Library in Eastern North Carolina is rolling out a virtual reality (VR) system for its patrons.
Rendever, the US company specialising in VR for seniors, will provide its system to all five of Craven-Pamlico Regional Library’s member libraries, to introduce patrons to the immersive technology and reduce the impact of social isolation from the Covid-19 pandemic.
This is Rendever’s first partnership with a public library system. The company, headquartered in Boston, launched in 2016 to boost human connections via shared positive experiences, with VR as the method.
Today, Rendever has one of the largest libraries of VR content around, built with shared experiences in mind. Participants in group sessions can check off bucket list items together, revisit meaningful places and share stories, stay engaged with family members, and more.
 100vw, 600px” data-recalc-dims=”1″><figcaption><strong><em>Close-up of professionals deploying Rendever VR system via tablet</em></strong></figcaption></figure>
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<p>Its system is being used by high-profile senior living operators including Revera, Benchmark, and SRG, healthcare systems such as UCHealth and Cleveland Clinic, has research funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Institute on Aging, and has commercial partnerships with major organisations such as AARP and Verizon</p>
<p>“While our platform was built to help seniors improve their mental and physical health by decreasing the effects of social isolation, our team is always looking for new ways to offer the benefits of the platform to a larger audience,” explains Kyle Rand, co-founder and chief executive officer at Rendever.</p>
<p>“Through Rendever, Craven-Pamlico Regional Library members have access to popular sites, like the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Pyramids in Egypt. Beyond that, users can explore remote areas, whether it be out of interest, in preparation for a trip, or for educational purposes.”</p>
<p>Craven-Pamlico Regional Library is able to roll out VR across its libraries thanks to a state grant, after identifying a need to overcome social isolation and expand the horizons of patrons that are relying more heavily on its services as a result of the pandemic.</p>
<p>Katherine Clowers, regional director at Craven-Pamlico Regional Library, says: “Our members are always looking to immerse themselves in new experiences and continue to learn. Virtual reality opens up a world of immersive possibilities for our members.</p>
<p>“Thanks to Rendever, they can explore faraway bucket-list destinations in addition to experiencing new activities, like swimming with dolphins. The last 18 months have been particularly difficult with the Covid-19 pandemic, and we’re thrilled to offer them new experiences when travel can still be unsafe.”</p>
<h4>RendeverFit launches</h4>
<p>Rendever’s first partnership with a public library system follows the launch of a new interdisciplinary VR fitness app earlier this month.</p>
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RendeverFit merges physical fitness with cognitive fitness and socialisation, designed specifically for older adults. It comes on the heels of a $2M NIH Phase II grant, allowing the company to further research the impact of VR on seniors.
At launch, there are three modules available in RendeverFit: Cycle, Paddle and Paint, which leverages MultiBrush by Rendever, the first available multiplayer version of Tilt Brush that the company released in February.
RendeverFit is currently available for pre-order for all senior living communities and healthcare organisations, with delivery beginning in December.
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Image credits: Rendever
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