Provided by Prince William Public Libraries | Written by Kirk Johnson, Prince William Public Libraries Materials Services Division<\/p>\n
In the age of mobile devices and the \u201cInternet of Things,\u201d where internet connectivity and interactive capabilities are taken for granted, concerned parents and guardians of young children are often caught in a bind. On the one hand, there\u2019s the desire for children to benefit from the connectivity and functionality that smart devices offer. Busy caregivers know that interactive digital devices can keep little minds busy when the adult in the room needs to focus on other things.<\/p>\n
Yet concerns about the appropriateness of online content and the danger of leaving children\u2019s cognitive development in the hands of profit-oriented algorithms cannot be ignored. Fortunately, there are safe, non-commercial, child-appropriate alternatives available.<\/p>\n
Prince William Public Libraries is excited to announce the addition of a new product to their collection. The WhaZoodle is a fun, interactive audio device that looks and works like any portable audio device but is preloaded with podcasts, music, and other audio content. The device has multiple age range settings and is intuitive and easy to use. It\u2019s from the Playaway company that also makes the popular \u201cLaunchpad\u201d devices, so the functionality and packaging will be familiar to many patrons.<\/p>\n
The WhaZoodle is durable and made for young, inquisitive users to discover and learn on their own. It\u2019s another new product Prince William Public Libraries is bringing to patrons. Come to your local branch and pick one up or search \u201cWhaZoodle\u201d in the Online Catalog at pwcva.gov\/library<\/a>\u00a0to place a hold on more than 30 WhaZoodle devices.<\/p>\n