Learn how to put your smart phone or tablet to better use by exploring apps and digital services at Deschutes Public Library’s Appy Hour. March’s Appy Hour features Freegal, the library’s free music download service. Appy Hour is scheduled for the third Wednesday through April at McMenamins. Light snacks will be provided and beverages will be available for sale.
“Freegal is the library digital service that allows library card holders to download five songs per week for free,” says Wylie Ackerman, eServices manager at Deschutes Public Library.
He adds that “Getting to keep the music is the best thing about Freegal. Unlike checking out a CD from the Library, users get to keep the music once it’s downloaded.”
During this month’s Appy Hour community librarians will be on hand to help guide attendees through the registration and download process that provides access to millions of songs by artists from the Sony catalog.Freegal downloads set an all-time high in February, says Ackerman, with Deschutes Library card holders downloading over 9,500 songs in February. “Did you get yours?” he asks.
Timothy Smith, community librarian at the Downtown Bend Library and organizer of Appy Hour, says the events have been successful and well attended. “People who sometimes find the library a bit sterile appreciate getting assistance at a more relaxed venue,” says Smith. Helping people learn to use a digital library app is rewarding he says, and hosting the event at McMenamins keeps the environment casual.
“The process is much more enjoyable (for both of us) in a more relaxed setting. People come to learn about library apps, but they also want to have fun, relax, have a brew,” says Smith.
He says that there is potential to grow the program and offer Appy Hours in other communities. “There’s already talk about having events in Redmond, LaPine and Sisters,” he says.
Each month during Appy Hour community librarians will feature one library app. In addition to demonstrating the apps, staff will be available to assist individuals on installing and using them. “Library staff devotes a lot of time answering questions about library digital download resources. Appy Hour is just another opportunity to help people learn more about what the library has to offer,” says Smith.
For more information about this or other library programs, please visit the library website at www.deschuteslibrary.org. People with disabilities needing accommodations (alternative formats, seating or auxiliary aides) should contact Liz at 312-1032.
