Advanced technology enables interactive adventure at library

GREEN SCREEN: Sophie Tilley snaps a photograph of Irene Mueller and Catherine Allen with the green screen technology, transporting them to a rabbit chase with a farmer. The technology has been enjoyed by people of all ages. Picture: BROOKE LITTLEWOOD

GREEN SCREEN: Sophie Tilley snaps a photograph of Irene Mueller and Catherine Allen with the green screen technology, transporting them to a rabbit chase with a farmer. The technology has been enjoyed by people of all ages. Picture: BROOKE LITTLEWOOD

LOCALS can embark on an adventure to the ancient pyramids, escape from dinosaurs of the Jurassic period and surf gnarly waves with new interactive visual technology at the Millicent Public Library.

The library will provide green screen technology this month – including a backdrop, lighting equipment and an iPad – through a Public Libraries South Australia initiative.

Standing infront of the back drop and using the appropriate application, users are able to replace the background of a video or photograph with a digital background of their choice.

Wattle Range Council libraries and cultural services manager Janice Nitschke said green screen provided learning opportunities for users while also having fun.

“It is important to show that libraries not only support reading, but we support digital literacy,” she said.

“The green screen is something that has not been to the Limestone Coast before and we are the first library to get it.

“It has been really great fun.

“The library is not just about a collection of books – it is also a really good community hub and a fun place to be, which I think is what is really important.

“We involve the community through a series of activities and the library is a place where people can come and enjoy them.”

Ms Nitschke said interested community members did not have to be in a group to take part in the green screen program.

“You do not have to be in a group, people can be on their own and still enjoy it,” she said.

“I think that’s what technology does.

“It enables someone, who perhaps might be on their own or isolated, to come and be part of a program like the green screen.

“Not only do children have fun with the technology, but they are also able to learn the process of it.

“It is not just about having fun.. it is about learning new skills, which is one of the really good things about libraries.

“We are part of digital literacy and we can get people to enjoy and learn skills – it does not matter what their capacity is.”

The library will look at the possibility of purchasing its own green screen technology if the current project is successful.