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

Tech Tips: Getting started with 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 … Read more

Person holds a VHS tape at a computer station with the words "Creative Studio" on the wall

Preserving culture in the Creative Studio

Nothing lasts forever, and that includes your old VHS tapes. Even if you still have a VCR to play them, the tape quality can degrade as the years go by. The solution? Digitize those tapes. And you can do it … Read more

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

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

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 … Read more

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

Tech Tips: How to use the SWAN Libraries + app

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 … Read more

3D printer printing an octopus

Creative Studio turns 1

We’re celebrating the first anniversary of the Creative Studio! Since the digital makerspace officially opened last April on the Main Library’s third floor, it’s been a fantastic year of learning, expanding offerings, and, of course, lots of creativity. “The Creative … Read more

LinkedIn Learning on laptop

Tech Tips: Getting started with LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning is an online learning platform with video tutorials to learn business, software, technology, and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals. Check out LinkedIn Learning FAQs. Meet LinkedIn Learning With LinkedIn Learning you can: How to log in … Read more

Screenshot of audiobook player on Libby app

Tech Tips: How to listen to audiobooks in Libby

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 … Read more

Screenshot of magazines available on Libby app

Tech Tips: How to read ebooks & magazines in Libby

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 … Read more

A computer desktop cluttered with files

Tech Tips: How to declutter your devices in 4 steps

By Creative Technology Librarian Amy Hofmockel Do you have a desktop covered in icons you don’t use? Are you interested in decluttering your digital workspace? Let’s go over some basics of file management so you can find the files you want … Read more

Laptop sitting on kitchen table

Tech Tips: What is a URL?

By Amelia, Digital Learning Specialist Have you ever wondered what the letters “URL” mean or seen the phrase “follow this link for more information”? Maybe you’ve seen a URL or a website link in advertisements or on event flyers, product … Read more

A screenshot of the PressReader app on a phone, with the PressReader logo

Tech Tips: How to get started with PressReader

Interested in a convenient way to read newspapers on your phone? With access to more than 7,000 publications from around the world in their original language and format, PressReader is a helpful tool. This post will cover some basics that … Read more

Lock icon centered inside a shield with a check mark bubble floating above

Tech Tips: Basic digital security: How to create a strong password

It’s so important to create strong passwords—and frequently update them—even though most websites have security measures in place to keep your personal information private. Let’s go over a few of the most basic—but most important—ways to keep your digital data … Read more

Person searching on laptop

Tech Tips: How to find a digital newspaper or magazine

Your Oak Park Public Library card gives you access to thousands of digital newspapers and magazines. Different streaming apps like PressReader, Flipster, and Libby all provide access to digital newspapers and magazines. So what is the best way to start … Read more