Read with your kids with Tumblebooks!

Bossier Parish Library has many resources for parents and children. We've covered a few of these resources, but those were almost entirely school related. What about parents who want to help their young children read for fun? For those parents, we have TumbleBooks!

TumbleBooks is a service for Bossier Parish Library patrons who want to share in a fun story time with their kids without leaving home or while on the go! Tumblebooks are story books that have been animated and read aloud. Not only is the book read aloud with different voices and sound effects, but the book text still shows on the screen allowing kids to read along.

Tumblebooks offers story books for young readers, as well as chapter books for more advanced readers. There are also nonfiction books and math books to help your kids learn about a wide range subjects. You may even learn something while listening along!

The books are automatic, so there's no page turning required. This means even young children can finish the books on their own.

For access to Tumblebooks, go to our website at BossierLibrary.org and click on the Tumblebooks icon on the right side of the page. This will allow you to automatically be logged in under Bossier Parish Library's account.

From the Tumblebooks home page, you can decide browse books by type and genre or search for specific authors and titles.

Have you tried Tumblebooks? What did you think? Let us know in the comments!
If you have an idea for blog posts or questions/comments, you can contact us on Facebook or Twitter. 

Social Media Spotlight

This week we're going to talk the social media website Instagram!

According to it's website:

Instagram is a fast, beautiful and fun way to share your life with friends and family.
Take a picture or video, choose a filter to transform its look and feel, then post to Instagram — it's that easy. You can even share to Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and more. It's a new way to see the world.

It is a free app available for Apple and Android phones.

So what's the big deal about Instagram? For one thing, it supports photo and video only. This means that long winded updates about everything your friend has done that day aren't usually found on Instagram.

One of the greatest appeals of any social media service is the ability to connect with people all over the world - even celebrities. Instagram is no different. You can follow your favorite celebrites to get behind the scenes photos and a look into their every day life. Musicians and bands often post news about albums on social media before officially announcing it on websites. Want to see what Drew Barrymore is having for lunch? Or get a look into Sarah Jessica Parker's life as a mom? Instagram lets you connect with celebrities in new ways.

You can also follow your favorite magazines on Instagram - for example the Real Simple magazine often posts beautiful pictures to be featured in upcoming articles. Meanwhile, the Southern Living magazine Instagram is full of delicious looking food and adorable animals.

Instagram has also introduced a new feature called 'Hyperlapse,' which allows you to create time lapse video with your phone. No need for expensive equipment! Many brands are getting in on Hyperlapse, including the Ellen show and Disney.

Find more information on Instagram on the website: www.instagram.com. Look for a Bossier Parish Library Instagram coming soon!

 Do you use Instagram? What is your favorite social media? Tell us in the comments below! If you have an idea for blog posts or questions/comments, you can contact us on Facebook or Twitter. 

New Tech Wednesday!

Thanks to the Labor Day holiday our schedule is a little off, so this month's New Tech Tuesday is actually being posted on a Wednesday. We hope you'll still enjoy all the shiny new gadgets.

There are many exciting smartphone accessories available on the market today. For our New Tech Tuesday (one day late) this month, we'll be discussing a few accessories to make your smartphone even more versatile.

External Camera Lens 

The camera phone means that most of us have a camera at all times, ready to capture the perfect photo of the sunset, family and friends or just our evening meal. There are also lenses that allow your phone to take panaramic pictures, perfect for capturing landscapes or, in our case, the many books on our shelves!

The newest external lens in the news turns your smartphone into an almost professional level camera. The latest lens from Sony is bringing interchangeable lenses to your smartphone.
You can find more information on the new article from TechCruch.com.

Speakers

Listening to music and movies is made even better with external speakers. There are many choices for external speakers for smartphones, including smaller speakers that plug into the headphone jack of your phone and wireless speakers that connect to your phone via bluetooth. The good news is, the variety of speakers available on the market means you'll be able to find one in your price range. You'll even have your choice of colors! 

There is even a speaker that learns your moods and preferences and plays music accordingly! The Aether Cone features a complex algorithm that allows it to learn what you like to listen to, when and where and tries to play music accordingly. Read Gizmodo's review to learn more! 

Portable Chargers

Using all of these fancy accessories or even just using your phone in the course of your normal day can really drain your battery. Unfortunately, we can't always be near an outlet to charge up. Luckily, there are portable chargers there to help you when your batter starts to fail. Like the speakers, these portable chargers come in almost every price range. There are some that run on batteries (which means you have to change the batteries before charging) and some that are rechargeable themselves. There are a variety of sizes, though most can charge a smartphone from almost dead to full charge at least once. The one we'll be talking about today goes the extra mile - it reminds you to take it with you when you're having a busy day! 

The Smart Power Battery from Elgato syncs with your calendar and sends you a reminder to bring it along any time you have a full schedule. It also sends you a notification when your battery starts to run low. 

You can read more about this battery from Elgato on SlashGear.com. 

What is your favorite smartphone accessory? Tell us in the comments below! If you have an idea for blog posts or questions/comments, you can contact us on Facebook or Twitter. 

Apps for the Sports Fan

Fall is almost upon us and that means football season will soon be kicking off. (See what we did there?) College football season started on Wednesday August 27 and the NFL will have their first game on September 4th. These days being a sports fan is so much more than watching the game on television or arguing about your teams' clear superiority at work the next day. The rise of technology means that fans can connect to their favorite teams and get information about stats and scores in brand new ways.

For this week's blog focus we will be recommending Apps for Sports Fans. Football may be on everyone's mind but it's definitely not the only sport that inspires devotion, so we'll be discussing some apps that cover multiple sports.

ESPN SportsCenter App

This app is exactly what you'd expect from ESPN. It covers all major sports, including European football. You can customize the updates that you receive including specific teams and score and stat updates as well as breaking news. With over 43 million downloads, this is the go to app for many sports fans. 

This app is free and available in iTunes and Google Play. 

(Image via ESPN)

Yahoo! Sports

This app is similar to the ESPN app, in that it covers most major sports. It also offers the ability to program alerts so you get up to the minute news from your favorite teams and writers. 

This app is free and available on iTunes and Google Play. 

(Image via The Black and White)

Team Stream by Bleacher Report

This app also covers all major sports. It gathers content from other sites, newspapers, blogs and Twitter, so it's coverage is varied and far-reaching. However, like the other apps, it allows you to customize notifications, so it sifts through all this information for you and presents only the subjects that you're interested in. You can set a feed solely for your favorite team, giving you all the updates on the team in one screen. 

This app is free and available on iTunes and Google Play.

(Image via iPhone Life) 

NFL.com Mobile App 

This app, unsurprisingly, offers only information on NFL teams and games. It gives you access to breaking news, in-game highlights, and live scores. It allows you to set up custom team news. 

This app is free and is available on iTunes or Google Play. 

(image via UberGizmo)

What are some of your favorite ways to stay up to date on your favorite sports? Comment and let us know what you think! If you have an idea for blog posts or questions/comments, you can contact us on Facebook or Twitter. 

New eReaders on the Market

This week a new Nook went on sale from Barnes and Noble. Barnes and Noble worked with Samsung to make the newest version of their eReader. This version functions more like a tablet than a simple eReader. Like the Kindle Fire and the Nexus 7, the Samsung Galaxy Tab® 4 NOOK allows users to download apps and surf the web, in addition to reading books and magazines. Because it is a Samsung Galaxy Tab, it runs on Android meaning a greater variety of apps available.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab® 4 NOOK means that Nook users no longer need to choose between sticking with a Nook and enjoying a tablet. All previously purchased books and magazines easily transfer to your new Nook.

Of course, while the Nook tablet is the newest eReader tablet on the market, it isn't the only option. They are several other tablets including Kindle Fire and the Nexus 7. Both of these also work on Android and allow for downloading apps as well as reading books.

And as always, with any of these devices can be eBooks can be borrowed from Bossier Parish Library.

Increase Productivity with URL Blockers!

August is in full swing and almost all area schools are back in session. Two weeks ago we posted several online resources that make a student's life easier. The downside of going online to use those tools is how distracting the internet can be. It can be easy to think "I'll just check Facebook quickly" and look up to find that an hour has passed. And don't even get us started on Pinterest!

There are several tools available to help keep students (and anyone else working on computers) on task.

One of the most important tools to have when trying to stay focused is by using what's called a URL blocker. The URL is just another name for the web address. For example, the URL for this site is http://bpl-it.blogspot.com A URL blocker can keep you from visiting certain sites during a set period of time. This can be helpful if you just can't help checking Facebook or Twitter on your computer when you should be writing a paper or looking up information. It can help for those working from home as well.

Stayfocusd

Our favorite URL blocker is a free add-on called Stayfocusd. It works only on the Google Chrome browser. (If you use Firefox, don't worry - we'll discuss it next!)
Stayfocusd increases productivity by temporarily blocking time-wasting websites. There are several different options in blocking websites - including blocking all websites and or allowing only one or two websites. (We might suggest leaving the library site unblocked, of course.) Stayfocusd allows you set a time limit and even includes a countdown clock to let you know how long these will be blocked.

LeechBlock

LeechBlock works in the same way that Stayfocusd does, but it works only on Firefox. 

This add-on is free to download from Mozilla and allows you to block select websites or all websites for a specified amount of time. 

These are just two examples of URL blockers available. You can find more by searching the web, but like with any program, be cautious of what sites you download from. It's always best to download from a reputable and well-known site, like Google Play Store or the Mozilla add-on store. 

What are some of your favorite ways to stay productive? Comment and let us know what you think! If you'd like more information on these or any other library services, you can call your local library branch or contact us on Facebook or Twitter. 

New Tech Tuesday!

It's the first Tuesday of the month which means it's New Tech Tuesday!

This month we are going to focus on fun new Tech that is designed to make working in your kitchen a little easier.

The Smarter Microwave - with Accupop

Now a microwave, while convenient, is nothing new. However, this particular microwave has several features that make it a cut above most microwaves. This microwave has a feature that allows you to steam cook vegetables, fish or rice with a provided steamer. This feature also converts to allow steam cleaning.  It also features 'sensor cooking' which adjusts cooking times based on the food itself. It also has the Accupop technology, which adjusts popcorn cooking time using sound sensors. That's right, it listens to your popcorn as it cooks and when the popping slows down it recognizes that this means the popcorn is almost done. 

It may seem frivolous but burned popcorn can stink up your whole house and put a serious damper on movie night. 

At Home Sous Vide Machines

If you've never heard of Sous Vide (pronounced Sue Veed), don't worry you are not alone. The only placed we'd ever seen it before was when chefs got particularly adventurous on Top Chef. However this method for cooking meat is gaining popularity, especially now that Sous Vide machines are available for home cooks.

Sous Vide is the process of cooking food by placing it in a vacuumed sealed bag and keeping it at a steady temperature. This usually means cooking it in hot water. So what's so great about Sous Vide? T. Susan Chang from NPR's Kitchen Window has the answer:

Why would you want to do this? Because careful temperature control results in a kind of protein sorcery. You can get perfectly cooked delicate fish because it can't dry out or overflake. You can coax meats into meltingly soft braises because the protein never gets hot enough for the fibers to turn to string. You can get eggs that are never rubbery. You can melt the layers in pork belly without liquefying them in the process. You can even keep chocolate from losing its glossy temper when melted.

Find Chang's entire article here on NPR's Website. Cooking sous vide at home without any special equipment is possible, however it can be difficult to keep the water at a steady temperature for the length of time it takes to cook your meat. You can buy Sous Vide Circulators which help regulate the temperature for long periods of time while circulating the water to keep it from boiling down. These are less bulky than the Sous Vide Machines.

Sous Vide Circulator
image via Serious Eats 

Sous Vide Machine

image via Sous Vide Supreme

Smart Refrigerators

The newest technology in refrigerators allows them to do so much more than just keep things cool. The smart refrigerators have touchscreens which allow you to make shopping lists and even keep track of expiration dates for foods. LG is working to create the ability for users to text their refrigerator to ask questions like "Are we out of eggs?" or "How long until the milk expires?' from their smart phone, even while in the middle of a grocery store. 

There are even WiFi enabled refrigerators that allow you to take phone calls, surf the internet, listen to music or even watch television right on the fridge. No more missing out just because you're stuck cooking dinner or cleaning up after. 

 

Smart Ovens

Refrigerators aren't the only appliances getting in on the new technology action. GE has several oven models that work with their app GE Brillion, which allows you to turn on the oven, pre-heat, or change the temperature from your phone or tablet. These smart ovens also have built in meat probes to tell exactly when the meat has reached the right temperature and will alert you by text when the meat is ready. 

 (image via GE Brillion)

Of course, with all these features comes a pretty hefty price tag, at least for some of these devices. However it should be long before these technologies become more common. 

For now we're stuck listening to our own popcorn to make sure it doesn't burn. 

 (image from DeludedDiva)

What did you think of these fancy kitchen appliances? Comment and let us know what you think! If you'd like more information on these or any other library services, you can call your local library branch or contact us on Facebook or Twitter. 

Please note: This is intended to be purely informational and should not be viewed as a personal endorsement by any employee of Bossier Parish Library.

It's Back to School time and BPL has resources to make homework a little easier for everyone!

August is here, which means that the school year is just around the corner. And, of course, with school comes homework. Bossier Library has several resources to help with research and reports at any age level - from elementary to college!

We've already discussed a few of the databases available from BPL on this blog before, but today we'd like to take a little time to talk about the resources specifically geared towards students. They are divided into two categories: Research Sources and Tutoring and Practice Exercises. The resources in the first category can help students find articles and sources for papers and research projects. The second category offers help for students who need practice or further tutoring in certain subjects.

Literary Articles and Research Sources

The Gale ARTEMIS Literary Sources and Biographies. 

According to Bossier Parish website, this database is offers literary articles covering all genres and disciplines, all time periods, and all parts of the world. If you can think of a literary subject, work or author, there's a good chance that this database has information available. Not just short paragraphs, but entire biographies and articles. This database does focus on literary subjects, so not much help with math or science homework.

Literature Criticism Online 

Literature Criticism Online is similar to Artemis, in that it offers articles focused on literary topics and biographies of authors. You can limit the results by publication date, which can come in handy when teachers require recent articles only.

Databases provided by the State Library

Bossier Library has joined with the State Library of Louisiana to provide several different database at no cost. You can find scholarly articles on almost every subject - including math, the sciences, psychology, business and, of course, literature. 

Tutoring and Practice Exercises 

Learning Express Library

Learning Express Library is a free service offered by Bossier Parish Library that provides tools for students of all ages. This service differs from the ones above, as it's not just a way of finding articles and information, but offers practice quizzes and fully explained answers. 

There are sections for students currently in elementary, middle or high school, for those looking to prepare for college or for senior adults who are looking to learn more about computers and technology. 

This service is different from the others as it offers help in several different subjects, including math, social studies and grammar and writing. As the age level increases, the subjects get more specific. 

This is a free service, but it does require registration with an email. This lets you save your lessons and keep track of progress. 

Homework Louisiana 

This site is a golden resource for students and parents alike. HomeworkLouisiana offers FREE online tutoring and academic resources from Tutor.com for Louisiana residents from kindergarten students through adult learners. Get help in math, science, social studies or English from a live tutor. The services can be accessed from a Louisiana public library, from your home computer or from your mobile device.*

And as always, if you need help with these databases and services or just have a question that is proving difficult, our reference staff is ready to help! You can reach the Reference Desk via phone at (318) 746-1693 or by email at infosvcs@bosseirlibrary.org

Comment and let us know what you think! If you'd like more information on these or any other library services, you can call your local library branch or contact us on Facebook or Twitter. 

*Text from the homeworkla.org website

App Recommendations for Readers

Smartphones and tablets have become an integral part of our everyday life; something most of us can't bear to leave the house without, like our keys or wallet. While any smartphone with internet access is useful, it's the apps on the phone that make it both indispensable and fun. Every so often, this blog will feature apps for people who love books, music, sports, art and more. We will also feature apps to help increase productivity and make your life a little easier.

This week we are going to showcase some apps designed for people who love books and reading. Most of these apps are available on several different devices, but a few aren't so we'll be sure to specify.

Overdrive Media Console

It's pretty much required that we start with Overdrive because we're a library, but honestly we'd put it at the top of the list anyway. Overdrive is an app that allows you to read eBooks and listen to audio-books on your phone or tablet. It's part of your library account, so there's never any charge. The books return automatically so you can't even be charged late fees. New books are added to the collection every day. For some of these books, you'll need an Adobe ID. This is a free ID that you create using your email one time only. If you're not comfortable with creating an Adobe ID, don't worry! There are plenty of books you can still access.
Overdrive is available for: Apple (via iTunes) Android (via Google Play), Windows Phone.
Download for other devices including Kindle, Nook and your PC can be found on the Overdrive Website.

Purchase eBooks

There are several options for purchasing books on your tablet or eReader. The apps are handy as they allow you to purchase books while away from your computer and allow you to read the same book across different devices. You can read a book on your tablet on your lunch break and then pick up right where you left off when you're stuck standing in line at the grocery store and need to distract yourself from all those impulse buys and candy bars. (or maybe that's just us.) 

Kindle

The Kindle App allows you to download books from Amazon to your device. You don't have to be using a Kindle in order to use the Kindle App, but you do have to register on Amazon before you can purchase any books or audiobooks. 

The Kindle app is available on: iTunes, Google Play, and Windows Phone. You can also download it on your PC and other apps at www.amazon.com

Nook

The Nook app allows you download books from Barnes and Noble to your device. Like the Kindle App, it is not necessary to be on a Nook to use the Nook app, but you must register at BarnesandNoble.com in order to download books. 
The Nook app is available on iTunes, Google Play, and Windows Phone

iBooks & Google Play Books

These apps comes installed on your device and allow you to purchase books from iTunes, or Google Play. . It is important to remember that any purchases you make in iBooks can only be read on an Apple product like an iPhone or iPad.  For example, if you buy books in Apple iBooks and then switch to a Samsung Galaxy, you will not be able to transfer those books to your new Samsung. Other apps like Kindle or Nook work on any device so your purchases can be transferred. 

Keep Track of the Books You Read

There are several apps that allow you to keep track of the books that you've read and get recommendations for books to read in the future. We're just going to cover two of these apps

GoodReads
GoodReads is a website and mobile app that allows you to list any books that you've read or want to read in the future. You can also rate the books and receive recommendations for books to read based on those ratings. There are discussion groups and online book clubs as well. Because authors have GoodReads pages as well, you can get updates on upcoming books and works. GoodReads is free but you will have to register with an email address.
This app is available on iTunes and Google Play.

BookCrawler
BookCrawler is similar to GoodReads in that it allows you to keep track of books you've read. BookCrawler lets you scan the barcode of the book itself to add it to your list, letting you skip typing all the book titles manually if you'd like. Of course, you can still search for books by title or author as well. There is a free version that allows you to input up to 25 books, but for more than that you'll have to pay for the full version. Luckily for those who are serious about cataloging their personal library, the full version is usually around $2. Unfortunately BookCrawler is available only on iTunes. Hopefully an Android version will be released soon!

Reading Can Mean More Than Just Books

Reading means more than just eBooks or audiobooks.

Comixology
Comixology allows you to purchase and read comics on your phone or tablet. You can purchase the same day the comics are released in stores. You can find sales, discounts and even free comics! Comixology app is free, though you'll have to purchase the comics.
This app is available on iTunes and Google Play.

Poetry from the Poetry Foundation
This app allows you to read a new poem daily or search for your favorite poets. Feeling romantic? Need something to cheer you up? There are collections based on every mood and occasion. You can even search by memorable lines! This app is free and available on iTunes and Google Play.

What are your favorite reading related apps? Have ideas on topics you'd like us to cover? Leave a comment here or on our Facebook or Twitter. 

Win a new iPad from BPL! Two different ways to win!

Do you want to win a new iPad? Bossier Parish Library will give away a free iPad in November and you could win! There are two different ways to get your name in the drawing for the new iPad and you can even win smaller prizes every week!

Library Love Letters

The first way to participate and get your name in the drawing for an iPad is to show Bossier Parish Library a little love and write us a Love Letter. We want to hear what you like about Bossier Library. Each Bossier Parish Library branch has a special Library Love Letter display where you can fill out a letter telling us what you love about Bossier Library. Or if you prefer, you can fill one out online here on our newly updated website. Each love letter is entered into the drawing for a brand new iPad on November 7th.

Question of the Week

The second way to get in the drawing for the iPad is to answer our Question of the Week. Each Monday a new question will be posted on Facebook, Twitter and this blog. You can also find the question on the Love Letter board at your local branch. The answer to each question can be found on the BPL website or catalog. Some questions will be about the library itself and some will be about our collection. Library employees will not have the answer but they may be able to point you in the direction of our website or catalog. 

Each week a random winner will be chosen from all of the correct answers. This winner will then be put in the drawing for the iPad on November 7th. 

In addition to being entered into the drawing weekly winners win prizes as well! You can win one of these prizes! 

Don't miss out on your chance to win one of these prizes and be entered into the iPad Giveaway.
Friend us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to see the questions every Monday!

The Fine Print: This contest is only open to Bossier Parish Library patrons with current accounts.
Weekly winners have until 5 pm on the following Sunday to pick up or utilize their chosen prize.
The grand prize winner has 14 days to pick up their prize.
Prizes are not transferable and have no monetary value.
Library staff and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate.

Mark your calendars! Both programs start Monday, July 21st. (that's this Monday!)

Online Computer Tutorials

Learning your way around the Internet and programs like Microsoft Word or Excel can be pretty intimidating when you're just starting out. At Bossier Library we offer classes on things like Internet and Email, and programs like Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. However, these classes have been on hiatus; first while we installed brand new computers at every branch and now to make way for the Summer Reading Programs. Classes will start again in September, but if you have a computer and an Internet connection you don't have to wait to start learning about computers! There are many online tutorials available that can help you master the basics. This week we are going to list the top three free online tutorial sites that we found just by searching on Google. Not all free tutorial sites are created equal, so we're going to rank our favorite results.

3. HomeandLearn.co.uk

Home and Learn is a site based in the United Kingdom, which is why it's address may look a little different than the ones you're used to seeing. However, all of the information is the same for programs in the United States. They offer tutorials on Beginners Computer, Word, and Excel. There are even a few classes on Web Design for those who are looking for something more advanced. Each Tutorial is divided into shorter lessons to make it easy to take it slow and cover all the information. Each lesson has screenshots so users can see exactly what they are describing. The only problem with this site is the many ads on the tutorials. There are banner ads at the top and bottom of each step in most tutorials. Because they are related to computers, sometimes users may find them misleading or confusing. Unfortunately ads are a necessary evil for most websites. Luckily, the ads do not take away from the usefulness of the website.
Overall: The tutorials on this website are easy to find and to follow. There are no video tutorials available.

2. Free-Computer-Tutorials.net

This site offers tutorials on Windows XP, Vista and 7, as well as on programs like Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. It's fairly easy to navigate with links on the left hand side to each lesson. There are pictures for every lesson that explain step by step the basics of the operating system or program.
The only downside to this website, in our opinion, is the number of ads. Though ads are a necessary evil on most websites, they can be distracting or even misleading.

This site also provides free video tutorials on YouTube or you can purchase individual lessons on CD/DVD through the website, if you prefer.

Overall: Easy to understand lessons and easy to navigate website make this a great site however the abundance of ads may be off-putting for some users. The free video tutorials make this a great resource for beginning computer users.

1. GCF Learn Free

This website offers tutorials on Basic Computer Concepts, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and even Access. You can also find tutorials on email and Internet basics. This site isn't just limited to computer topics, either. You can find tutorials on topics from the Workplace, like filling out tax information to basic math and grammar lessons. And they're all free!  Many of the classes are video based, making it even easier for beginning users.
 Registration is not required, but is available for users who want to return to lessons or track their progress. Registration requires a valid email address. Don't worry if you'd rather not register, all the lessons are available without registration. There are even classes with instructors available for users looking for Continuing Education Credits. Registration is required for those classes
GCF Learn Free also has free mobile apps so you can learn on your smartphone or tablet. This means you can take a lesson about iPads on the iPad itself! No other free tutorial site we found offered free mobile apps..
Overall: The variety of classes, clean layout of the website, engaging lessons and free mobile apps make this the best free computer tutorial site we found. We highly recommend it for anyone looking to expand their knowledge on computers and many other topics.

Stay tuned for more information about our Patron Computer Classes coming in September!
Have ideas on topics you'd like us to cover? Leave a comment here or on our Facebook or Twitter.

Please note: These are the opinions of the blog writer only, and not necessarily of Bossier Parish Library staff or patrons. No compensation was received from any of the above websites. (in fact, we'd be a little surprised if these websites even knew we were writing about them!) 

Tech Tuesday: Spotlight on new technology

It's New Tech Tuesday! On the first Tuesday of every month we will be spotlighting a new and exciting technology available to the public.
This week we're talking about Wearable Technology!
Wearables have been a popular topic lately, especially among those who love technology and are always on the lookout for the next shiny new toy.
The most popular version of wearable computer is the Smart Watch. A smart watch is a wearable computer small enough to pass for a wristwatch. They connect to your phone, usually using Bluetooth. Though smart watches don't have all the functions of your smartphone or tablet, they do let you view email, text messages and notifications. You can also control music playing on your phone.
Most of the major phone manufacturers, like Samsung, Sony, Motorola and Apple have released a smart phone or have plans to do so soon. There are also options available from smaller companies, like Pebble which used a Kickstarter campaign to bring their device to the public.

 Smartwatch by Sony

Smartwatch By Samsung

Smartwatch By Pebble

Most of these smart watches have the same features, though there's no word yet on whether they're able to call your car to pick you up when you're in trouble. 

What are your thoughts on smart watches? Fun or frivolous?  Have ideas on topics you'd like us to cover? Leave a comment here or on our Facebook or Twitter. 

Online Services at your local library (And they're free!)

This week we'd like to spotlight some of the free services offered by Bossier Parish Library. The best part? All of them are available online from your home computer! You don't even need to leave the house! Last week we covered Mango Languages, which allows you to learn a new language for free. This week we're going to cover a few of the lesser known online services.

Auto Repair Reference Center (ARRC)
The ARRC is a free database with information on the repair and maintenance of cars and trucks. It gives basic information on various model cars all the way back to 1953. It provides step by step instructions, complete with diagrams. It even has estimates on time and cost of repair, for those of us who would rather leave the repair up to professionals. Now you can arm yourself with knowledge before taking your car to the mechanic.

Cypress Resume

Writing a resume can be tricky - it's fine line between too much and too little information and between being memorable while still remaining professional. Many programs like Microsoft Word have templates available, but those can lack personality. Cypress Resume is a free service available through Bossier Library that makes writing a memorable resume quick and easy! You choose phrases that describe you and your work experience and Cypress Resume assembles them into a professional resume. You can even create an account, which allows you to save your resume and come back any time to add experience without starting all over. 

Legal Forms Library

The Legal Forms Library is just as described - it's a database of legal forms available to the public. Though neither the site or the library can offer legal advice, we can offer free legal forms. There are forms available for everything from Last Will and Testament to Name Changes. These can be completed and printed from any computer with internet access. 

These are just a few of the online services available from your local library. Access to these and many more is available through the Bossier Parish Library website: www.bossierlibrary.org

Comment and let us know what you think! If you'd like more information on these or any other library services, you can call your local library branch or contact us on Facebook or Twitter. 

Learning a New Language with Technology

Have you ever wanted to learn a new language? I personally love the idea of knowing at least enough to get around in several languages, but I don’t always the extra money to spend on classes or on services like Rosetta Stone. I also love to travel and think it’s important to at least make an effort to speak the local language instead of just walking around and hoping someone in the vicinity speaks English. For that I want something practical that I can use in conversation. The last time I tried this I was going to France and wanted to learn the basics. Instead, the CD I bought wanted to teach me to count. I just needed to know where the train station was, not show off my ability to count to ten!  That’s why I was really excited to learn about Mango Languages. Mango is a fast and effective way to learn to hold practical conversations in a new language. It’s got both audio and visual elements which helps me follow along. And the best part? It’s free with my library account!

Mango Languages has lessons available in 63 different languages, including languages you’d expect to find like Spanish, French or Italian. But Mango doesn’t stop at the expected languages. They have also have languages like Arabic, Yiddish or even Hawaiian. There are special languages as well like Biblical Hebrew, Latin, or Ancient Greek. You can even take a course on speaking Pirate! (I have to admit: I've added that one to my own personal list.)

Mango also has English lessons available for anyone who speaks English as a second language and wants to learn more. There are English lessons available in 17 different languages! 

To access Mango for free, go to our website at www.bossierlibrary.org and find the Mango Languages link on the right hand side. There are links to access from within the library or from home, so you don’t even have to be sitting at a library computer to use Mango.

Once you’re on the site, it will ask you to enter your library card number and PIN. Your library PIN is the last four numbers on your card. Once you've entered that, Mango will ask you to create an account with an email. This lets you keep track of your lessons so that you can pick up where you left off.

Mango even has apps available for iPhone/iPad and for Android devices. You can learn on the go or on your lunch break. You can even use it to entertain yourself and your family on those long boring car rides.

We want to know what you think! Will you be trying Mango? Do you have an idea for a topic or a question you'd like us to address? Leave us a comment here or tell us on Facebook or Twitter. Links to those accounts can be found on the right hand side of this page.