What are Launchpads?
Launchpads are durable tablets made for kids now available to check out from the Des Moines Public Library. Preloaded with educational content they will keep your kids busy and learning for hours. Each of our 30+ Launchpads has a different theme or learning objective from reading comprehension to nature, space, and more.
Launchpads work without wifi, and there is no set up or download time after you bring the tablet home with you.
Reading Academy
The Des Moines Public Library has purchased Launchpads from the first three levels of the Reading Academy Every app, storybook, and video has been hand-selected to help kids gain the knowledge they need to transition from learning-to-read to reading-to-learn.
Level 1—Pre-Emerging Readers
- Sky Pack
- Wave Pack
- Orb Pack
- Aero Pack
- Stellar Pack
- Nuclear Pack
- Gaze Pack
- Void Pack
- Liftoff Pack
- Moon Pack
Level 2—Emerging Readers
Level 3— Early Developing Readers
STEAM Academy
STEAM Academy is helps kids become well-rounded problem-solvers who look at the world around them and ask questions like "how?" and "why?" All while having fun, and playing educational games.
- Creation and Sound: Curiosity Pack
- Creation and Sound: Clever Pack
- Skyward: Technology and Space
- Outer Space: Mission Up
- Transportation: Air, Land, and See
- Engineering: Build. Fix it. Fun
- Trains: Choo on These Facts
- STEAM: Saved by Smarts
- Wildlife and Animals: Wild About Learning
- Animals and Insects: Later Gator
- Doctors and Medicine: What's Up Doc?
- Pre-historic Times: Ancient Knowledge
- Dinosaurs: I Know, Dino
- Imagination: Mix It! Make It!
- Strategy: A Fun Run
- Creativity: Born To Build!
- Creativity: Be Anything