Coming Soon to BPL - Flipster!

Soon you'll be able to read magazines on your smartphone, tablet or computer for free with Flipster! 


Available starting July 1st, Flipster is a free service that will allow you read magazines without having to visit the library to check them out. No return dates to remember and no late fees! Stuck in a doctor's waiting room with only outdated magazines? Now you can borrow one on your tablet or phone right there in the waiting room! 


How do I use Flipster?

If you are on your computer, simply visit the Bossier Library homepage: www.bossierlibrary.org/start/ and click on the icon for Flipster on the right hand side under the Digital Media/eContent banner. This will take you to the Flipster homepage where you can begin choosing the magazines you'd like to read. 

If you are reading on a tablet or smartphone, you can download an app. It's available on iTunes and for Android



We think you'll love Flipster! There are literally hundreds of magazines available, from the popular and well known like Entertainment Weekly and Food Network Magazine to lesser known magazines devoted to subjects like History, Aromatherapy and Helicopters. There are even academic journals like the School Library Journal (one of our favorites) and Mathematics Enthusiast. 



You can now get step by step instructions on using Flipster on your laptop or tablet here on our next blog post! 




Gadgets for Father's Day!

Father's Day is just around the corner and we're bringing back some of our favorite tech inspired gifts. 

Black and Decker AutoSense Drill

This drill and many others like it, take the guesswork out of drilling. This drill can sense when the screw is fully seated in the material and will stop drilling. This keeps it from 'stripping' a screw so that it's difficult to remove and from drilling so tightly that it splinters the material you are working with. It also has built in lamp so you can always see where and what you're drilling.

Image via Gizmodo

RoboReel

This is a motorized, automated garden hose. Now, we know what you're thinking: Who could possibly need a garden hose that fancy? After reading about online, we do! This hose is housed in a hard shell on wheels that allows you to pull it around your yard without worrying about kinks or tangles. It also has a remote that allows you to turn it on and off. There's even a timer that allows you to regularly water your lawn for up to a month. When you've finished watering a battery powered motor carefully winds the hose back into the housing, keeping it out of the way.



Image via RoboReel


Rocki 

If you love your old-school analog speakers but want to play music wirelessly from your phone, laptop or tablet, this is gadget for you. Rocki connects to your current speakers and allows you to stream music using WiFi. The only downside to this device is that you can only play music that is on your device - no Rhapsody, Pandora, or Spotify.

Picture from Rocki


Bag Re-sealer

This gadget allows you to re-seal open bags of food, such as chip bags. They can save lots of much on storage bags as you are able to store food in their original packaging. These keeps food fresh longer than clips. There are several versions of the Bag Re-sealer available, including this one from iTouchless

iGrill Thermometer


This thermometer works with your iPhone to allow you to check the temperature of your grill from several feet away - keeping you from having to get up out of that comfy lawn chair every few minutes. 


Thermapen

If you're not sure about using a smartphone to check the temperature of your grill, the Thermapen provides a more accurate reading than most meat thermometers. This means you never have to worry about under cooked food. 


Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there. 
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New at BPL: Patron Rewards Program!

We're taking a small break from our regularly scheduled tech talk to introduce a new patron rewards program going on at the library! This summer, it's not just the kids who can get the rewards! Adult patrons will have the opportunity to score rewards by earning Library Loot. We love our patrons and wanted to show how thankful we are for the years of support.



Who can participate?

 Any adult patron with a library card that has an account in good standing can participate in the Patron Rewards Program. Adult cards are for patrons 18 and older. If you're under 18, don't worry! You can participate in the other Summer Reading Programs at the library! 

How can I earn Library Loot?

  • Attend library events. (Ex: book club, summer reading program, library expo…)
  • Post positive comments on the library’s Facebook page (Comments may include something about an event you attended or a positive experience you had at the library)
  • “Recommend A Read”: recommend a good book to others either on our Face book page or use our Bossier Central Awesome Box, or any branches “I would like to recommend” comment cards.
  • Donate school supplies at any Bossier Library branch.
  • Donate new or gently used coat at any Bossier Library in support of Porter’s coat drive.

What can I get with Library Loot?


Don't miss out on this fun program! Earn rewards and help out your fellow Bossier Library Patrons at the same time! Ask your local branch for more details.

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You can also now follow Bossier Library on Instagram and Pinterest!