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!

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.