Friday, December 7, 2012

Catalog Updates


After some recent downtime, you may have noticed a change in the look of our catalog!  All of the old functionality is still there, but new enhancements have made it look & behave more like an online bookstore.






Items that are included in Googlebooks have preview links available.







You can now limit searches more easily by using the check boxes on the left menu.


 
 Clicking on "Full Display" now takes you to a separate screen which provides (if available) reviews, a summary, and a link to take you straight to Novelist for more detailed information.





 Please give it a try and let us know what you think!

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

New additions to OneClick Digital downloadable audios


Please click here for a list of the latest & upcoming titles from our OneClickdigital downloadable audiobook service!

OneClickdigital provides access to downloadable .mp3 and .wma files of Recorded Books audiobooks. All are iPod compatible and also work on a variety of other devices.

If you haven't used this resource before, here's a brief introduction.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Sneak preview-Intro to e-Reading

Find out what you need to get started reading e-books. Introduction to E-Reading  is  the topic for the December 11th  computer class with Mark Opyd. The class is from 2:00-3:00 pm in TECO hall at the library and will cover the different devices and software used to read e-books on a computer
or device. There will be a chance to ask questions after the presentation. Free and no registration needed.

Find out more about e-books and other electronic resources by visiting these links: 
Oldsmar Library Resources e-books
Oldsmar Library Blog - Kindle e-books

Monday, October 29, 2012

TumbleBooks' new iPad site


Below is a press release from our friends at TumbleBooks for their new iPad site.

TumbleBooks are animated, talking picture books which teach kids the joy of reading in a format they'll love. TumbleBooks are created by adding animation, sound, music and narration to existing picture books in order to produce an electronic picture book which you can read, or have read to you.
TumbleBooks is pleased to announce the launch of our new site for iPad. This means that instead of just having an iPad link, we have now created a mirror site specifically for iPad compatible content!!

Those logging onto TumbleBooks with an iPad will be pointed directly to our TumbleBooks for Mobile Devices site. It looks exactly like our regular website but all the content in every category will be iPad compatible!! You can also access the iPad content by using our Choose drop down menu on top right hand corner of our home page.

This is not an app you need to download from the iTunes Store. It is accessed through your regular browser just like TumbleBooks.

In the next few weeks, you will see new content for all of the categories - including new educational games and quizzes built specifically for the iPad and mobile platform. Every TumbleBook in the Story Book, Language Learning and Non fiction categories will be converted to an iPad compatible format. All our National Geographic videos - and the books they are paired with - will also be available in our new site. Those of you accessing TumbleBooks with an iPad will be able to enjoy the entire TumbleBooks experience!!
 If you haven't yet, please try them out and let us know what you think!

Monday, October 15, 2012

OneClickDigital - Webinars Available to the Public


Want to learn more about OneClickDigital downloadable audiobooks and have the chance to get your questions answered by a member of their staff?

They are offering a free, public, patron-focused webinar (online seminar) to demonstrate the service’s features. This 45-minute program will include a complete tour of the service and show patrons how to create an account, install the OneClickdigital Media Manager, search for content, manage checkouts, and download and transfer audiobooks to listening devices.

These webinars will be held on:
Tue, Oct 23, 2012      3:00 PM - 4:00 PM EDT
Tue, Nov 27, 2012     3:00 PM - 4:00 PM EST

Pre-registration is required! Please click the above links to sign up.

If these sessions are not convenient, you can check back at on their website for future dates & times.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

OneClickDigital - Kindle Fire app now available


Do you have a Kindle Fire? Want great audiobook downloads available instantly?

OneClickDigital, a provider of downloadable audiobooks has new upgrades.

They have officially launched the OneClickdigital app for the Kindle Fire. Users can download the app for free by searching for OneClickdigital in the Android Appstore at Amazon.com

OneClickdigital now offers apps for the iPhone, all Android devices, and the Kindle Fire. App users will be able to access and download audiobooks directly to their device, without having to connect to a computer.

Here are a few other recent enhancements to OneClickDigital:
  • The quick search bar is now available from all pages of the OneClickdigital website.
  • The preview player now plays from within the Title Detail page, instead of opening a new webpage.
For more information on how to get started with OneClickDigital, please check out their Help Pages or give us a call!

Thursday, October 4, 2012

New OverDrive App for Nook

We just received a press release from OverDrive that brings good news for owners of newer Nooks!

OverDrive App for NOOK® Makes Library eBook Borrowing Even Easier

Highly anticipated release enables over-the-air eBook borrowing on
NOOK HD, NOOK HD+, NOOK Tablet™ and NOOK Color™

(Cleveland, OH) - October 2, 2012 - OverDrive, the leading distributor of eBooks for libraries and schools, announced the release of the free OverDrive Media Console app for NOOK, making it even easier for users to borrow eBooks and audiobooks from libraries and schools. With the new OverDrive app, users of NOOK HD, NOOK HD+, NOOK Tablet and NOOK Color can wirelessly borrow eBooks and MP3 audiobooks from the library.

"With the OverDrive app for NOOK, readers can simply browse, checkout and download both eBooks and MP3 audiobooks," said David Burleigh, OverDrive's director of marketing. "NOOK has consistently been one of the highest rated devices in libraries and schools, and readers will welcome the convenience of the new app."

Users can visit the NOOK Store™ to install the free OverDrive Media Console app. The app enables users to locate a library or school nearby, browse or search their eBook collection and, after entering a valid library card or school ID, check out and download the title for a lending period of one to three weeks (depending on the library or school's policies). At the end of the lending period, the title simply expires. For more information, you can go to www.NOOK.com/publiclibrary or www.overdriveblogs.com.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Cell Phones for Soldiers

Have an old cell phone and don't know what to do with it? We are  an official drop off point for Cell Phones for Soldiers!

Cell Phones for Soldiers collects used cell phones and sells them to ReCellular to be recycled. The money is used to purchase calling cards for soldiers stationed overseas.

Please visit their web site for more about this great program and for suggestions on how to erase your info from your phone before donating.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

New audiobook titles on OneClickdigital


Please click here for a list of the latest & upcoming titles from our OneClickdigital downloadable audiobook service!

OneClickdigital provides access to downloadable .mp3 and .wma files of Recorded Books audiobooks. All are iPod compatible and also work on a variety of other devices.

If you haven't used this resource before, here's a brief introduction.

Friday, September 7, 2012

Viva Florida 500 Time Capsule questionnaire

We need your input!

The Pinellas Public Library Cooperative, in conjunction with the Florida Department of State's Division of Library and Information Services, is launching a time capsule project in honor of Viva Florida 500. We are seeking community input for the time capsule contents and other needed information. Please click the link below to let us know what you think should be included in the Pinellas time capsule.

Thank you for your time in answering our short survey and assisting us in the 2013 celebration of Florida Viva 500!

Viva Florida 500 Time Capsule Survey

You can read more about the time capsule project here & the Viva Florida 500 celebration here.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Friends of the Library

Our Friends of the Library group's first General Meeting of the year is coming up on Thursday, September 20 at 11:30 am!

The Friends meetings are open to the general public.  You can view the meeting invitation here and visit their web page for more information.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Mango Language Learning





We are pleased to announce that we now offer the Mango Languages online language-learning system!
Learning a new language with Mango Languages is free for all library patrons, all you need is a home computer and your library card.

Each lesson combines real life situations and audio from native speakers with simple, clear instructions. The courses are presented with an appreciation for cultural nuance and real-world application that integrates components of vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar and culture.

There are more than 40 foreign language courses available and 16 English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. Once you create an individual account on the site, you can also learn languages everywhere you go with free apps for the iPhone, iPod touch and Android.

Please check out this great new service and let us know what you think!

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Computer Classes (Aug-Dec. 2012)

Due to the August election, this month's computer class with Mark Opyd has been moved from the 2nd Tuesday to August 21. Getting More out of Cloud Storage is the topic and will cover storing & accessing data in the Internet "cloud".  Upcoming topics are:
  • Sept. 11 - PC vs. Mac
  • Oct. 9 - Learn a New Language
  • Nov. 13 - Windows Basics
  • Dec. 11 - Introduction to eReading
Classes are @ 2:00 pm., in TECO Hall, registration is not required. Class schedules are available at the Reference Desk

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Freegal for Mobile Now Available

We are pleased to announce that Freegal, our downloadable music service, is now available on your iPhone or Android-based smartphone.

With Freegal, you can download (and permanently keep) up to 3 songs per week.

From the PPLC site:
Visit Freegal for thousands of recordings by your favorite artists. Log in to Freegal Music with your library card number and PIN and begin downloading! Current limits are set at three downloads per week. Your counter will set back to zero each week Monday morning. Then you can download three more tunes during the new week.
You can also use the Freegal site on your computer & then transfer songs to your MP3 player or other mobile device.

If you have any questions/problems, please write us at information@oldsmarlibrary.org or give us a call. Remember, the default PIN # for your library account is the last 4 digits of the phone # that we have on record for your library account.

Scanning the QR code below with your smartphone will take you directly to our mobile site, or you can be automatically redirected if you visit our homepage on a mobile device. Then click on the "Databases" link to get the link for the Freegal app of your choice.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

July Computer Class & Drop-In help

Thinking about buying a new computer or upgrading an old one? Not sure what you should buy? Stop by the library on July 10 for the next computer class "What to Look for in a New Computer". The class is presented by Mark Opyd, starts at 2:00 pm in TECO hall and the last part of the class will provide an opportunity for questions and answers. No registration necessary.

Drop-In computer help will be available on Wednesday, July 18 starting at 3:00 pm, Teen volunteers will be on hand until 5:00 pm to help individuals or small groups with using the Internet, email or answering your computer questions. This program is available on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. (Note* No Drop-In Help on July 4th - the library will be closed for Independence Day.)

Books about computers can be found in Non-Fiction (004 - 006.76) Staff at the Reference Help Desk can assist with finding books or requesting books from other locations. Call (813) 749-1181, email the library or post your questions or comments here on the blog.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Summer Reading Programs info now available!


Click the picture above to check out what's going on this summer at the Oldsmar Library. We have reading incentive programs for all ages and several weeks of programming for kids and teens!

Friday, May 4, 2012

Your Mobile Library



We now have more library services available from your mobile phone!  Scanning the QR code above with your smartphone will take you directly to our mobile site, or you can be automatically redirected if you visit our homepage on a mobile device.

It contains basic library info, as well as a link to the mobile catalog.  You can preview the catalog here, and you will see that it has full functionality but with a clean interface that works well on mobile devices.

Recently added is the Databases link, which directs you to the mobile apps that are currently available for our Gale databases, OneClickDigital and OverDrive.

We hope you enjoy our mobile services!  If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please let us know in comments.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Sign-up for Free Small Business Counseling

The Pinellas chapter of SCORE provides free one-on-one business counseling the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the month at the library. 1 hour appointments are available between 10am-Noon & 1-3pm. To schedule an appointment for April 17 (or future dates), please call (813) 749-1181 or stop by the Library's Reference Desk.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Pinellas Extension programs in April


We are offering two great programs from the Pinellas County Extension this month! Registration is required for both programs, details below.

The first will be a Rain Barrel Workshop on Saturday, April 21st at 10:00 am.

Have you ever thought “What a waste!” when you see the rain water pouring out of your gutter down spout and then down the street? By attending this workshop you will learn how save that water in a recycled plastic barrel for later use in your plant beds, potted plants, vegetable and herb gardens.

Rain barrels with spigots will be provided courtesy of the City of Oldsmar, and all attendees will receive set-up instructions and a reference booklet. One barrel per family.

Registration is required, stop by the Reference Desk or call 813-749-1181. Oldsmar residents have first priority.

The second is the Kill-A-Watt Energy Efficiency program on Thursday, April 26 from 1:30 - 2:30 pm

UF/IFAS Pinellas County Extension has teamed-up with Pinellas County Libraries to offer a fun and factual new energy-conservation program. The goal of the Kill-a-Watt (TM) Campaign is to help Pinellas citizens monitor their home’s energy use to lower power bills.

Check your local library for Kill-a-Watt monitors that you may borrow to evaluate your home.

Registration required, please register online here. Only one person per household needs to register, but bring the whole family if you'd like!

Friday, March 2, 2012

2012 Relay for Life

Now through the end of the month, we are taking donations at the Library for the Oldsmar Relay for Life. Come on down & donate a dollar for a star in honor of a loved one who has faced cancer!

The Oldsmar Relay will be held April 20-21 at Canal Park in Oldsmar.

Our Oldsmar Teen Advisory Board (OTAB) and some library staff will be participating in the Relay, you can view their Team Page here.

For more information, please see the above links or give Heidi, our GOTAB Team Captain a call at 813-749-1179.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Couponing Made Simple - March 1

Join "Christi the Coupon Coach" & author of Couponing made Simple on Thursday, March 1, 6pm in TECO Hall - Christi will share practical tools and tips that will help you and your family save money using coupons! Book signing to follow. No registration required.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

One Click Digital (audiobooks) Media Manager now available for Macs!

We received this press release from the One Click Digital folks (formerly NetLibrary) and wanted to pass it along:

We are happy to announce the launch of the Mac-compatible version of the OneClickdigital Media Manager. All Mac users will now have access to the new Mac-compatible OneClickdigital Media Manager, which can be downloaded through Apple's App store. The link to this program is available on the Help/User Tutorial page, and at other locations throughout the OneClickdigital site.

The Mac Media Manager will allow Mac users (with OS versions Snow Leopard, Lion, and higher) to install the Media Manager on their computers, giving them access to your library's entire audiobook collection.

In addition, we have made some other enhancements behind the scenes that will significantly improve the speed of the OneClickdigital site. And be on the lookout for the OneClickdigital iPhone app, which is coming soon. We’ll let you know as soon as it is available.

Happy listening!

You can read more about One Click Digital here.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Street Closing Notice, Feb. 14-24

The intersection of Dartmouth & St Petersburg Drive is closed for streetscaping. St. Petersburg Drive is closed from Buckingham to State Street. Please follow the detour signs to get to our parking lot on Dartmouth or use this map to plan an alternate route.

The intersection should re-open Saturday, February 25.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

February - Discovery Reef Exhibit

Discovery Reef, a unique traveling exhibit that brings coral reefs to life, will be on display in our Children's Department during the month of February. This interactive display developed by Mote Marine Laboratory of Sarasota offers a glimpse into the inner workings of reefs — vital habitats for thousands of marine species — through hands-on educational panels and live video conferences.

We are having two public all-ages interactive video conferences with a marine science educator from Mote Marine Laboratories on Wednesday, February 8th at 2pm and Wednesday, February 15th at 2pm. Each session will last about a half hour and no registration is necessary.

We also have several live teleconference spots open for groups of 10-25 children. Those interested in reserving a spot should call the Children's Department (813-749-1179) for available times and dates.

Discovery Reef is one of three traveling exhibits developed by Mote’s SeaTrek program, which offers exhibits to museums, libraries and other venues in the U.S. and beyond.

This exhibit is sponsored by Verizon.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Additional Lego Club day starts in January.

The Lego Club now has two days of the month to meet. It is the second Wednesday, and then the first Saturday following that. In other words, the second Wednesday of the month, and then three days later.

Here is the schedule for the next five months:

Wednesday- Jan. 11, Feb. 8, Mar. 14, Apr. 11, May 9
Saturday- Jan. 14, Feb. 11, Mar. 17, Apr. 14, May 12

--All meetings start at 3:00 pm--



If you have any questions, please call the Children's Department at 813-749-1179

Hope to see you on the 11th!


~Miss Heidi