Top view of a desktop keyboard.

Tech Tips: Computer Basics: Keyboard 101

Think of your computer keyboard as a modern version of the classic typewriter, only smarter. It’s your primary tool for typing text, entering commands, and interacting with your computer. Whether you’re writing an email, browsing the web, or playing a … Read more

Person working on laptop and writing on paper with pen

Tech Tips: Google Docs basics

By John Gargiulo, Supervising Librarian of Creative Technology Do you have a Gmail account? If you have a Gmail account, Google provides you with access to additional Google apps like Docs, Drive, and Slides. In this post, we’ll cover a few basics of … Read more

News website display on a laptop

Tech Tips: 9 steps to help spot misinformation & disinformation

In today’s media landscape, it can be challenging to sort through the constant flow of information and evaluate the accuracy of news articles and social media posts. The fast pace, sensational headlines, and frequent layout changes of social media can … Read more

Tech Tips: How to translate webpages

Traducir al español | Przetłumacz na polskiBy John Gargiulo, Supervising Librarian of Creative Technology (translated by Oak Park Public Library staff) Have you ever tried to translate a webpage from one language to another? While some webpages provide a button to switch between … Read more

Creativebug logo on top of a table with a floral watercolor and painting supplies

Tech Tips: How to use Creativebug

Whether you are new to crafting or a seasoned master crafter, there is something for everyone on Creativebug. An inspirational resource for DIY, crafters, and makers, Creativebug features more than 1,000 award-winning art and craft video classes taught by recognized … Read more

Person sits on a couch next to a fireplace and looks at a tablet computer.

Tech Tips: Fact-checking media

We are living in a time with a never-ending stream of information and media that seeks our time and attention. How can you know what is true, what is false, and what is simply taken out of context? It is … Read more

Google Search

Tech Tips: A guide to navigating Google search results

Searching for information using search engines like Google can feel overwhelming at times. The results can seem cluttered, making it difficult to sort through. Search results may appear alongside a variety of ads, knowledge panels, featured snippets, and AI-generated overviews. … Read more

A person holds a phone with one hand and swipes the screen with the other. A logo for Beanstack is in the upper left.

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

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 19. Once again, we’re … Read more

Diagram of a mouse

Tech Tips: Computer Basics 101: The mouse

Using a mouse seems simple, but did you know there are shortcuts built into many computer mice? In this post, you’ll discover the different parts of the mouse, how to use the mouse, and what the mouse can do. How … Read more

Popular this month on Kanopy collection displayed on a flat screen TV in someone's home

How to watch movies with your library card

Your Oak Park library card is your key to accessing thousands of movies, documentaries, TV shows, and more. Below, find three ways you can use your card to watch films: 1. Stream on Kanopy Part of your digital library, Kanopy … Read more

Chat icon and a question mark

Tech Tips: What does that icon mean?

By Amy Hofmockel, Creative Technology Librarian In today’s technology landscape, there are hundreds of icons in use. Icons are meant to help people navigate technology by serving as clear, recognizable symbols that represent a function, tool, or file. However, there is … Read more

Scan station at the library

Tech Tips: How to use the scanner at the library

Did you know? You can scan documents for free at any Oak Park library location. Scan equipment is available on the Main Library’s third floor and at the Maze and Dole branches. Using the scanner, you can send your scan … Read more

Two older adults laughing while using a laptop and holding a credit card

Tech Tips: How to use Consumer Reports

Are you thinking about buying a new car, appliance, gadget, or literally anything else, but feeling overwhelmed or not sure where to start? Consumer Reports is designed to help you navigate all of the options and narrow down products based … Read more