This week on the blog we're talking about keeping kids safe online. This week the Shreveport Times reported that the Bossier Parish Sheriff office had warned against a troubling new app that is rising in popularity among area youth, called BurnBook. You can find the article on the Shreveport Times website here.

Today is the official first day of spring, which for many people means it's time start thinking about this year's garden. That is, for those of us who haven't been planning all winter. Today we're going to talk about what may be a surprising source of gardening help - your smartphone! There are several apps available today that can help you plant your garden, whether you're an amateur or an old pro.

Garden Time Planner by Burpee

Garden Squared

Garden Compass

If you have a plant, pest or disease you need identified...look no further. The Garden Compass Plant and Disease Identifier app allows you to take a photo and submit it to our team of expert horticultural garden advisers who will identify it for you, as well as provide you with specific product recommendations to resolve any problems you may have. As your photo passes up the queue you will be kept informed as to its progress.

Garden Manager

 This week we'll be discussing GoodReads, a website that allows you to track the books you've read, make lists of books you plan to read, and keep up with what you're friends are reading. There are several websites that allow you to do the same thing like Shelfari or LibraryThing, however GoodReads is the only one we are familiar enough with to offer an opinion.

Setting up an account with Goodreads.com is easy; all you need is an email address.



Keep track of the books you have read, will read and are currently reading by adding them to your bookshelves. There are three default bookshelves, but you can add personalized shelves.

We're bringing back this previous post about Instgram with some brand new information! Social Media apps are always updating and improving. It's can be confusing at first, but don't worry! We'll try to explain it all below.




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.

Of course, following others is only half of the fun of Instagram. Posting your own pictures is just as important! The use of filters can lend different qualities to your pictures. Every day objects and scenes can become art with the right filter applied. And of course, it's great for making any pictures you take of yourself and friends look smooth and perfectly lit, every time.

The use of hashtags can connect you to people who have pictures featuring the same hashtag. For example, if you're posting a picture of the Grand Canyon, using a hashtag such as #GrandCanyon can help anyone looking for pictures of the Grand Canyon find your photo. Hashtags are optional and definitely aren't for everyone.

If you're more worried about keeping your photos private than sharing them, Instagram allows you to make your profile private. These means you choose who sees your pictures. Any unapproved visitors will see a message stating that your account is private.  Find out more here, on Instagram's help site.



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.