This morning, the Library hosted a ribbon cutting for our new Optimum Technology Room, which uses Igloovision, software that provides an immersive experience.

Imagine being in a room in which the walls serve as your computer display, effectively putting you inside a wrap-around 12k television. Or think of a room as a giant walk-in Virtual Reality (VR) headset, except one in which the immersive experience can be shared with one or more others. This is the concept behind the Igloo, an immersive workspace created by Igloovision.

Any kind of digital content can be shown on the walls of an Igloo: 360° images, videos, interactive apps, as well as anything created for a VR headset. However, it’s not just about VR. In an Igloo immersive space, you can view and interact with any digital content, including the software and tools we use every day like PowerPoint or Zoom.

Users can:

• View VR content without putting on a helmet
• Go on a virtual tour of a far off place
• Seamlessly pull in virtual participants to in-person, hybrid programs
• View stunning pieces of art, in high quality 8K resolution

“I’m very excited for us to be able to offer the first immersive space in Westchester,” says Library Director Brian Kenney. “Thanks to Optimum, The White Plains Library Foundation, and the City of White Plains for making this possible.”

White Plains Mayor Tom Roach stated, “The City of White Plains is proud to have partnered with Optimum and the White Plains Library Foundation on creating the Optimum Technology Room. The immersive visual experience offered by this room will be unique and exciting. The City will continue to invest resources in cutting-edge technology that enhances the learning experience for children and adults alike.”