BOSTON – Sept. 28, 2021 – The Craven-Pamlico Regional Library in eastern North Carolina, has received a state grant to roll out Rendever’s VR system. The VR platform can be accessed at all five of its member libraries, introducing members to the world of virtual reality while also helping to reduce the impact of social isolation from the COVID-19 pandemic. This is Rendever’s first partnership with a public library system in the United States.
“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,” said Kyle Rand, Cofounder and CEO at Rendever. “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.”
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, area residents began to rely more regularly on the Craven-Pamlico libraries to overcome social isolation and expand their horizons.
"Our members are always looking to immerse themselves in new experiences and continue to learn," said Katherine Clowers, Regional Director at Craven-Pamlico Regional Library. “Virtual reality opens up a world of immersive possibilities for our members. 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.”
This digital inclusion project, “Get It” was supported by grant funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (IMLS grant number LS-250229-OLS-2 1).
For more information about Rendever, visit www.rendever.com.
About Rendever
Rendever is overcoming social isolation through the power of virtual reality and shared experiences. From senior living communities to hospitals, their platform is being used to reduce depression and loneliness by fostering personal connections amongst populations where life has become limited. Participants in group sessions can check off bucket list items together, revisit meaningful places and share stories, stay engaged with family members, and more. Rendever 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 NIH and NIA, and has commercial partnerships with major organizations like AARP and Verizon. To learn more, please visit www.rendever.com.
About Craven-Pamlico Regional Library
Craven-Pamlico Regional Library exists to create young learners and foster lifelong learning and provides informational, recreational, and educational materials, ample facilities, knowledgeable staff, and access to the online world in our five east North Carolina locations.
Media Contact
Elsa Anschuetz
Uproar PR for Rendever
321-236-0102 x233
eanschuetz@uproarpr.com