Reviews and Blog Posts: apps

Tech Makes Cycling Even MORE Fun!

Submitted by Melanie on June 13, 2013 - 11:02am

Wednesday, June 26, is Denver Bike to Work Day, and lots of Denver Public Library employees will be pedaling to their branch that day. Some of us ride to work several times a week or more! What does cycling have to do with technology? Lots of things, actually.

Denver is a fairly bike friendly city. There are great routes all over, bicycle and mixed-use trails, and roads with dedicated bike lanes. There are a few tools I use to find my way on two wheels.

DO THIS NOW! Protect your phone from loss or theft (and lots of other stuff too).

Submitted by Simone on April 22, 2013 - 7:36pm

Last week my phone and I parted ways. I had it in my pocket as I walked around the library, and it must have fallen out, because all of a sudden I couldn’t find it anymore though I looked thoroughly. Someone must have picked it up and pocketed it, opting out of turning it into the lost and found, because soon enough they started posting to my Facebook account.

Here’s the thing-this was a brand new cutting edge phone (the Galaxy Note II) chock full of every manner of apps to amuse and enlighten me, and as they say, there’s an app for everything. One of my apps could have been a security app that would allow me to locate and retrieve my phone from the lucky thieves who happened upon it. But in all my technological wisdom, I had not activated a single app that could help me recover my phone. And so I never got it back.

Apps and eBooks for kids!

Submitted by Melanie on December 26, 2012 - 3:45pm

Did Santa bring the kids new tablets or eReaders for Christmas? Are you befuddled by the new look of the library’s eMedia page? Wondering what apps are right for your child?

Whether you want to download library eBooks to your iPad or find great apps to keep your children entertained, we can help get you started! Swing by the Children’s Pavilion the first two Sundays in January and learn how to make the most of your new devices.

On Sunday, January 6, we’ll show you how to find and download free children’s eBooks and audio eBooks from the Denver Public Library website. Check out the new look of our eMedia page, and learn how to install the required software to your computer or device (see schedule below).

Apps for Kids Class

Submitted by Gigi on December 24, 2012 - 3:04pm

Did you get a shiny new handheld device for the holidays? Are you feeling overwhelmed with all the choices in kids’ apps out there? This class will help you choose high quality, educational, and entertaining apps for iPad, Android tablets, Kindle Fire, and Nook HD.

When: Sunday, January 13, 3 p.m.
Where: Central Library, Children's Library Pavilion

There are an enormous amount of apps out there, all competing for your children's attention, and it can be challenging to figure out which apps are of high quality, a good value, and safe for your children to use. Fortunately, the staff of the Children's Library and the Community Technology Center have joined forces to bring you the latest and greatest information on the best apps for kids, across multiple platforms.

On the Hunt for Ghosts, History, Crafts, and Bread!

Submitted by Becker on October 8, 2012 - 7:47am

On the hunt for great adult cultural programs? Look no further than Fresh City Life My Branch this week!

Meet the Ghost Hunters on Wednesday, October 10 at 6 p.m. at the Ross-Cherry Creek Branch! Denver's leading ghost hunters, Spirit Paranormal Investigations, will provide a fun and informative presentation about ghosts and the art of ghost hunting. SpiritPI will share spooky stories about what it's like to investigate the paranormal and demonstrate the tools they use to detect ghosts.

Fresh City Life My Branch--We've Got Tech!

Submitted by Becker on August 24, 2012 - 11:05am

The Library's amazing Community Technology Center has a wide range of technology classes at the Central Library, everything from computer basics to job search skills, but did you know that Fresh City Life My Branch also offers technology classes with friendly folks from the CTC or with your neighborhood librarian?

From one-on-one help to current tech topics, check out the technology classes available at a branch near you!

Tech Open Houses are designed for you to bring in your gadgets (laptop, tablet, eReader) and get one-on-one help with your questions--especially ones about downloading eBooks!

Every Monday, 11 a.m. - 12 noon at Ross-University Hills

Working it Out

Submitted by Melanie on June 4, 2012 - 8:08am

I like to work out because it's a great way to release stress, to get better sleep and to have more energy. Yada yada yada, right? We all know these things are true. But, like most people, I get into ruts when I don't exercise at all. It's soooooo hard to get back on track. But I've discovered a few fun online tools -- which are available for free -- that might help keep you motivated!

Currently I use MapMyFITNESS to track all the exercise I do, minus my bike commuting (more on that later). I'm not going to claim to understand the psychology of why logging every physical activity works, but it does. There's something extremely satisfying about having a record of what you've done to keep you motivated. MapMyFITNESS is far and away the most comprehensive free app I've used to record workouts.