Even though this is a new year, a lot of Gadgets from 2008 are still in high demand. Of course a very popular item this past Christmas was the Navigation (GPS) system for your vehicle. I don't know about you, but every time I went to a BestBuy or Walmart, they were always sold out. Navigation systems vary in prices so it is hard to tell. If you buy them from a store, I would estimate the price $100 - $300.


Another item that has been popular since the very first day it appeared on store shelves is the iPhone. The iPhone is made by Apple. This is not your ordinary cellphone. I would consider the iPhone a mini laptop. The iPhone has a fully capable HTML browser that is great for checking your email, Facebook, and MySpace. You can also view YouTube videos. Another cool feature about the iPhone is it has a touch screen. Since it is made by Apple, the iPhone can be used as an iPod. The newer phones have 2 different amounts of storage: 8 GB and 16GB. This is a great phone and will be around for a while.

Overall, this year looks promising, as far as technology goes. Mac and Windows are looking to launch some nice and innovative things this year. Be on the look out for them, because of you have a teenager at home, chances are these items will be on birthday and Christmas lists for a long time. Once again Happy New Year from the I/T Staff and best wishes to all of you in 2009!

BOSSIER PARISH LIBRARIES will host its first Spring into Technology March 24-28. During the week, I will roll out BPL's new and improved library website (http://www.bossierlibrary.org). Along with new products, services, and several special events.

1. New downloaded audio books or eAudiobooks serviced by NetLibrary, Recorded Books & OCLC.

2. New downloaded movies called MyLibraryDV, which offered downloadable Hollywood movies, Internet TV shows and a few regular TV shows, such as, Antiques Roadshow. This product is serviced by Recorded Books.

3. Surveys 4 Patron Computer Classes - THIS WEEK ONLY!!! - Stop by one of our branches and fill out a survey. The results will be used to establish a Summer/Fall 2008 listing of free computer classes for the Summer/Fall 2008. Classes are open to all active BPL library card holders.

4. Teens/YA Internet Safety Programs - For more details, contact Beverly Miles, East80 Library Manager, at (318) 949-2665 or Connie Ammons, Benton Library Manager, at (318) 965-2751.

5. Genealogy Photo Fair - If you have an copy of an old photo that highlights the history of Bossier Parish, bring it to the Bossier Parish Library Historical Center and we will reproduced it for you. Oh! And they would love to make an extra copy to add to their genealogy collection. Contact the History Center at (318) 746-7717 for more details.

6. "Old Technology" Display sponsored by the Bossier Parish Library Historical Center - A display showcases "old technology". Contact the History Center at (318) 746-7717 for more details.

7. "The Future is Now" Program sponsored by the Bossier Parish Library Historical Center. Contact the History Center at (318) 746-7717 for more details.

OTHER S.I.T. EVENTS:

1. Fines-free week - This is the time to return all those "past due" BPL library materials without being charged late fees. Contact Margie Carney, Circulation Manager at Bossier Central Library at (318) 746-1693.

2. Teens/YA Poetry Contest - In celebration of National Poetry Month - see the YA blog for more details (http://bpl-ya.blogspot.com).

3. Children Bookmark Contest - see the kids blog for more info
(http://bpl-kids.blogspot.com).

All week long we will be giving away freebies from pencils to books. We hope to see you March 24 through 28 at Spring into Technology 2008.