Sonoma County Library offers Virtual Reality equipment and software to provide our community with access to the latest in emerging technologies. Through immersive learning, virtual reality helps people to acquire new skills, make informed decisions, and explore new possibilities.

In October 2019, Sonoma County Library added VR headsets Oculus GO, Oculus Quest and ClassVR to its ever-expanding VR lineup. The library has provided opportunities for the community to experience VR since 2017 and plans to utilize the updated VR program to focus on the benefits of immersive learning.

Virtual Reality (VR) services are available at the Central Santa Rosa Library, Petaluma Library, Healdsburg, Rincon Valley, and the Rohnert Park-Cotati Regional Library branches.

Currently, the Oculus Rift VR is accessible to patrons (ages 14 to Adult) at both the  Healdsburg Library and the Rohnert Park-Cotati Regional Library. The HTC Vive is available at the Rincon Valley Library. For a complete list featuring Oculus Rift gear, check out our upcoming VR events.

The Oculus Rift and HTC Vive VR Headsets are only available during special events and programs for patrons.  All participants need to sign a waiver before using the equipment. Minors must provide a legal guardian's signature to participate.

Fill out and print a waiver form to bring to a VR session, or ask for a form at the library.

What will I be able to do with VR at the library?

• Explore: Experience our planet like you've never experienced it before! Travel around the world, to distant planets and even back in time without ever leaving the library.
• Learn: Discover more about the ocean, outer space, or the human body through VR experiences.
• Create: Make works of art in VR.
• Play: Try gaming in a 3D environment.

What is Virtual Reality?

In virtual reality, a person wears a headset that immerses them in a virtual world. A computer generates an environment that creates the illusion of a 3-dimensional space that the person can interact with and explore. With certain devices, the person can control or manipulate the world around them.

When and where can I use VR equipment?

Currently, the Oculus Rift VR is accessible to patrons (ages 14 to Adult) at both the Healdsburg Library and the Rohnert Park-Cotati Regional Library. The HTC Vive is available at the Rincon Valley Library. For a complete list featuring Oculus Rift gear, check out our upcoming VR events.

What else should I know?

The Oculus Rift and HTC Vive VR Headsets are only available for use during special events and programs for patrons (ages 14 to Adult.) All participants need to sign a waiver before using the equipment. Minors must provide a legal guardian's signature to participate.

Oculus Rift and HTC Vive VR experiences may cause dizziness and disorientation. Those prone to motion sickness should take care when using the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.

VR at the Library made possible by:

Virtual Reality at the Library is funded by the Measure Y sales tax, the community’s investment in free public libraries. Oculus Rift VR at the Library is made possible through a California State Library grant. Oculus VR, Califa, and VAR Libraries have teamed up with the California State Library to bring 100 Oculus Rift headsets and compatible computers to 90 libraries throughout California.