126 SHARES Facebook Twitter Linkedin Reddit

HTC is donating over 110 HTC Vive systems to California and Nevada libraries through its new Vive Libraries Program, an effort to seed local communities with premium VR.

In a blogpost announcing the program, HTC’s Chris Chin, Executive Director of Education VR Content, said he’s “especially excited that VR is entering communities that traditionally have had social, economic, or other access barriers.”

In California alone, HTC has donated 100 Vive headsets to public libraries.

“This generous contribution by Vive is helping bring a virtual world of adventure and learning to communities across California. As more virtual reality stations take root across our library system, we are seeing positive learning impacts and visitors that are genuinely excited about technology and education,” said California State Librarian Greg Lucas.

The company has invested heavily in the areas of education and the arts, including a multi-million dollar arts program, which saw partnerships with museums across the globe including London’s Tate Modern, New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, Paris’ Natural History Museum—and their China-based, multidisciplinary VR educational programs via their startup VIVEDU, which has brought HTC VR products to Chinese classrooms spanning the gamut of K-12, vocational schools and university-level classes.

Through HTC’s content platform Viveport, the company is presenting libraries with over 35 educational experiences covering the areas of Arts & Culture, Creativity, Design, History, STEM, Travel, and Wellness. Check out the full list of experiences below.

Vive Libraries Program Content List