Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts

Updated! Hoopla - a new service for borrowing movies, tv shows, audio books and music.

We've talked about Hoopla before on this blog, but we felt it was time to update it since Hoopla has added several new types of material! When we first wrote about this service from Bossier Parish Library back in November, it allowed you to check out movies, television shows, audio books and full albums of music on your computer or smartphone. Hoopla still offers all of those things but now they've added eBooks and Comics to their library! With all these additions there's something for readers of all ages and reading levels.

What does Hoopla offer?

Hoopla offers Audiobooks, eBooks, Comics, Movies, Television and full Music albums! All right at the touch of your fingers. 








How do I use Hoopla?

Step One: Getting to Hoopla

The first step to checking out items on Hoopla is, of course, getting to the Hoopla site. On your computer this means going to http://www.hoopladigital.com. On your tablet or smart phone, you'd download the Hoopla Digital app. 

Step Two: Signing up 

The first time you visit to Hoopla site or app, you'll be asked to sign up for an account. This is free and only takes a few minutes to complete. We'll walk through each step below. The first screen shows you an Overview of the Hoopla service and lets you know what is required to use it. You'll need your library card number and PIN, and a valid email address. 


After the Overview, you'll be taken to a screen that will allow you to choose your library. Most of the time, this will automatically show you all of the libraries in your area that use Hoopla. Choose Bossier Parish Library and click Next. 



After choosing Bossier Parish Library, you'll be asked for your library card number and PIN. Bossier Parish Library does require a PIN, so make sure not to leave this blank. 
(Hint: The PIN is the last 4 digits of your library card number)



The final step in creating an account is entering your email address and creating a Hoopla password. This password is for Hoopla only so Bossier Parish Library staff won't be able to access or reset this password for you. If you do happen to forget this password, you can reset it through the Hoopla website. 


That was the final step! You should now see a Welcome to Hoopla page that gives you basic information on your Hoopla account, including the number of titles you can borrow every month. 


Step Three: Borrowing Materials

Now that you're signed up with an account you're ready to start borrowing titles! You can browse by type or search for a specific title or artist. When browsing you can switch between types at the top. There are several categories including New titles, Top titles and genres. Click on the cover picture to find more info or to borrow the item. 



When you've decided what you'd like to borrow, click on the cover picture. This will take you to a screen that will show you more details, including how long you'll be able to borrow the item. Click the borrow button to add the item to your account. 


Once you've borrowed the item, it can be found under the My Titles. This page also shows you how many more titles you can borrow in the month. 



Using Hoopla on your mobile device or tablet

Using Hoopla on a mobile device is exactly the same as the steps laid out above, though the appearance of the screens may be slightly different. 


Are you excited to start using Hoopla? We are. We're even listening to the album pictured above while typing this! 



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Apps for Mom!

Mother's Day is just around the corner, so this week we're sharing apps that can make Mom's life just a little easier.  


Scheduling

One of the biggest challenges parents face is keeping track of everything that needs to be done in a day. There are several apps available that allow you to coordinate your daily to do lists. 

Awesome Note
Awesome Note, made by Bridworks, is an app that the company claims is the "most All-in-One organizer. It allows you to create To Do lists, calendars and notes - even allowing you to create folders to keep everything organized.
Cost: $3.99


Evernote

Like Awesome Note, Evernote allows you to create To-Do lists, make folders, and take notes. It also allows you to collaborate on projects with other user and it syncs across devices. What does that mean for you? You and your spouse or partner can share information with this app. Update one app and all other associated phones or tablets will update as well! Evernote also allows you to update from the website.
Cost: Basic level use is free, it includes everything list above. There are also Plus and Premium options available if you find you need more features.



Grocery Lists/Coupons

The apps above offer basic list making, which can work for groceries. However, apps that are specifically created for grocery shopping offer some advanced features. 

Grocery IQ allows you to make grocery lists for multiple stores, and even allows you to organize the list by aisle keeping you from having to backtrack because you've forgotten the milk. Like Evernote above, you can update your lists from the computer if you wish. You can also add print or email coupons from the app or website. Want to share your list? You can email right from the app. 
Cost: Free. 

Shop Savvy
ShopSavvy app is less about making lists, and more about finding the best price available for your item. This app will search online and in stores to find the very best price available. You can search manually or by scanning the bar code. It also allows you to browse similar products and see local sales.
Cost: Free

For the Family

This app allows you to create accounts for each child and assign them chores. For each chore completed, points are earned. Those points can be spent on rewards of your choosing. Like a chore wheel for the digital age. 
Cost: Free


We'll let the website for Mom Maps explain their service: 
Mom Maps helps you find family fun places, kid friendly locations on the go! Search our extensive list of kid's parks, kid's playgrounds, kid's restaurants, kid's museums and kid's indoor play areas. Search by category or zip code, and you're good to go! In addition to a comprehensive kids play guide, you'll find contact information, reviews by parents, for parents and directions.
This app comes in handy whether you're looking for something close to home or while traveling.
Cost: Free


And of course...

We always recommend the Overdrive and Hoopla Apps. These services are free with your Bossier Parish Library card and allow you to borrow eBooks, Audiobooks, Music and Movies! 
Take some time for yourself to enjoy your favorite book or band. Visit our website for the links! 
Cost: Free. 

    

















If you have an idea for blog posts or questions/comments, you can contact us on Facebook or Twitter

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