Virtual Reality
COVID-19 Update: All virtual reality events have been suspended until April. Read the full Washoe County Library System announcement.
Washoe County Library System worked with XRLibraries and the Nevada State Library as part of its Emerging Technology Early Adopter Program, and through a grant, received HTC Vive and Oculus Go virtual reality headsets.
The system currently has dozens of virtual reality headsets, and several libraries offer weekly VR programs.
Oculus Go 
The Go is an untethered all-in-one headset, meaning it contains all the necessary components to display graphics and doesn't require a connection to an external device. Input is provided with a wireless controller that functions much like a laser pointer. The headset and controller utilize non-positional three-degrees-of-freedom tracking, making it capable of seated or static-standing activities. All branches (except Verdi and Duncan/Traner) have two.
Oculus Quest
Turn a small space into an immersive gaming area with this Oculus Quest all-in-one VR system. The wireless headset and controllers provide a compact setup and don't require a PC, and the 64GB of storage accommodate compatible VR game titles. Incline has two Oculus Quests, most other branches have one.
Oculus Rift
A PC-based virtual reality system that fully immerses you. Complete with touch controllers and two sensors for the ultimate VR experience. The Northwest, Sparks, Spanish Springs, and Sierra View Libraries all have one Oculus Rift.
HTC Vive 
The HTC Vive uses "room scale" tracking technology, allowing the user to move in 3D space and use motion-tracked handheld controllers to interact with the virtual environment. Both the Inclive Village and Sparks libraries have an HTC Vive.
If you haven't invested in a virtual reality headset, below are some resources that allow you to experience virtual reality using only your computer or your smart phone and an inexpensive cardboard viewer, such as Google Cardboard or one of the Veracity Cardboard viewers the library sometimes provides free-of-charge.
YouTube
The easiest way to find 3D and 360 degree videos. You'll find hundreds of virtual reality videos you can try without downloading additional apps.
Cardboard
The Cardboard app helps you launch your favorite VR experiences, discover new apps, and set up a Google Cardboard viewer. Try out a set of included demos as well.
Apollo 15 Moon Landing
Celebrates the 1971 Apollo 15 Moon Landing. Feel the rumble as the spacecraft descends to the lunar surface. Unpack and drive the Lunar Rover.
YouVisit
Contains hundreds of college campuses to tour, as well as cultural sites including Vatican City, Roman ruins, and the Louvre.
All Around Nevada
Historic sites and extraordinary landscapes from all corners of Nevada, including old mining sites, parks, ghostowns. Most virtual reality environments are intended to be viewed on a computer monitor, but some (including this one) are designed to viewed on a head mounted display.
University Libraries YouTube Channel
The University of Nevada, Reno Libraries YouTube channel features 360 degree videos, including a series on local street art, demostrations in the university earthquake lab, and more.
Visit University Libraries Channel
Virtual Human Interaction Lab
The Stanford University Virtual Human Interaction Lab has created 360 degree videos, often on environmental topics, and interactive vr projects, including Becoming Homeless: A Human Experience.
Visit Virtual Human Interaction Lab
Sign up to receive updates about the QUAD and other Washoe County Library services for makers.
Interested in volunteering? Let us know!
Find more library programs and events for all ages on our online calendar of events.
