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Three Oculus Virtual Reality headsets coming to the Duluth Public Library

[Duluth, MN] The Duluth Public Library will be adding three Oculus (Meta) Quest 2 Virtual Reality Headsets to its programming in late February.

With the headsets, patrons will be able to transport to a new reality, play games, visit new countries, and more. The headsets will not be for check-out but will be used in-house for programming, allowing people to experience virtual reality free in the library.

“I was blown away by virtual reality when I first tried it. I want to let as many people as possible experience the sense of awe and wonder that I felt the first time I put on a VR headset,” said Oculus Virtual Reality Headset Coordinator, Heidi Harrison.

Due to COVID concerns, the library will be letting the community try virtual reality on an individual basis by reserving a time during set programs.

The three headsets were made possible by a donation to the Frank J. Sklaris Vision Fund developed by an anonymous donor through the Duluth Library Foundation. The goal of the donor was to develop a funding source for the library to use on innovative programs and services; to fund the library and its mission in perpetuity. The Oculus program was the first use of this fund.

"Libraries are a place of innovation, whether it is the library itself discovering new ways to serve the community or a library patron finding inspiration for their next project," said Executive Director of Duluth Library Foundation, Erin Kreeger, "That is why the Duluth Library Foundation is excited to celebrate the Oculus program, the first library project funded by the newly established Frank J. Sklaris Vision Fund."

Some of the games and experiences offered:
Beat Saber- Slash neon blocks coming at you in time to music in a futuristic world.
Jurassic World- Meet a dinosaur up close and personal
First steps- See what you can do in Virtual Reality
First Contact- Befriend an alien robot
Swim with Sharks, Climb a mountain, Experience the highest waterfall in the world, come face to face with insects, experience 360-degree animations, and much more!

If you would like to sign-up to try the Oculus headset visit duluthlibrary.org

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