Tech Tips: Getting started with cloud storage

Smartphone and tablet both displaying a list of files to upload to cloud storage

Have you heard people refer to backing up digital files to “the cloud”? Or the term “cloud backup” or “cloud-based storage”? All of these phrases are ways of describing how files are saved to an offsite location that can be accessed remotely. Companies like Apple, Dropbox, Google, and Microsoft store these files for you at … Read more

Tech Tips: How to download & upload on a smartphone or device

Graphic displayed on a laptop screen faturing a cloud with one up arrow and one down arrow

Today, it’s easier than ever to get information from the internet using smart devices like phones and tablets. When you use smartphones and tablets, you’ll commonly run into the terms downloading and uploading. These words describe activities you have probably already learned how to do. For example, when you open an email on your phone, … Read more

Tech Tips: How to use the SWAN Libraries + app

SWAN Libraries + app displayed on a smart phone screen with shelves of books in the background

Did you know that there is an app you can use to search for library materials, place holds, and manage your checkouts all in one place? The SWAN Libraries + app makes finding and requesting items easy.  Let’s review a few basics of how to use the SWAN Libraries + app Install the app Download … Read more

Tech Tip: How to use Beanstack to register for summer reading

Beanstack logo with an adult using a tablet in the background

By Digital Learning Specialist Amelia Get ready for an awesome adventure at your public library this summer! We’re thrilled to kick off our summer reading program (for kids and adults), which runs all summer long—June 1-August 21. Once again, we’re bringing back Beanstack, a cool digital tracker, to help you keep track of your summer … Read more

Tech Tips: How to close, minimize & maximize windows on a computer

Windows browser screen

By Digital Learning Specialist Amelia Ever wondered what the buttons do at the top of your browser bar? Let’s find out! Whether you’re on a PC or a Mac, you’ll encounter a similar set of buttons or icons. These buttons or icons are called “window controls” or “window buttons” and can help you navigate between … Read more

Tech Tips: How to listen to audiobooks in Libby

Screenshot of audiobook player on Libby app

By John Gargiulo, Supervising Librarian of Creative Technology In an earlier Tech Tips post, I shared tips and tricks on how to read ebooks and digital magazines on Libby with your smartphone or tablet. But did you know you also can listen to thousands of digital audiobooks on the Libby app too? Let’s get started! First, let’s discuss … Read more

Tech Tips: How to read ebooks & magazines in Libby

Screenshot of magazines available on Libby app

By John Gargiulo, Supervising Librarian of Creative Technology Did you know that as an Oak Park Public Library cardholder you can access tens of thousands of ebooks and digital audiobooks, and thousands of digital magazines on your smartphone or tablet? In this series of Tech Tips posts, I’ll be sharing tips and tricks on how to do just … Read more

The Affordable Connectivity Program is winding down: Here’s what you need to know

Affordable Connectivity Program: ACP Wind-Down

By Supervising Librarian of Creative Technology John Gargiulo A federally funded benefit program, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has offered a monthly benefit to eligible households to help with affordable access to internet services since 2021. Now, the future of the program is uncertain. Without urgent congressional funding, the ACP will run out of funds. The funds are … Read more