VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The Virginia Beach Public Library system is developing in-person programming which will include drone classes.
The library has previously offered other technology toys, but the drones are new. They’re paid for by the Friends of the Library and the Virginia Beach Library Foundation.
The classes are not being offered yet, because of COVID-related restrictions. Once the classes can start, they will be done in small group settings inside and offered at different branches throughout Virginia Beach. The classes will be free and open to the public. Participants will be asked to sign up online, in advance.
“Libraries have always been about learning. They’re places where you can come and learn to do anything, and I think I’m really excited that we’re able to expand that to different experiences,” said Rosie Perry, Emerging Technologies Librarian.
Pre-COVID, some library staff members took the course with Perry. Included in that group was Jessica Kasper, a programming specialist who works with teenagers.
“They’re always pretty surprised. I don’t think they usually look at the library and think technology,” said Kasper. “They we’re quiet and we have books, and that’s about it. They’re usually excited to see what we have and to get hands-on and jump right in, try it out.”
The drones which will be used in the classes are compact and lightweight. They do not require special licensing like larger models flown outdoors.
