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Got an E-reader? Learn how to use it more effectively

Got an E-reader? Learn how to use it more effectively

Bartow, Florida -- Okay, so we all know ebooks and e-readers are becoming the way to take in a good book, or even news or magazines.

Not everyone is comfortable using them yet, but the Bartow Library wants to give you a chance to get comfortable during a free class this Thursday!

Bring your Kindle, Nook, iPad, or other eReader device to the library this Thursday and they will help you with the basics of getting eBooks to read!

Also, you can learn how to effectively use the OverDrive lending system for checking out library eBooks.

Students take field trip to USF’s 41st Annual Engineering Expo

Students take field trip to USF’s 41st Annual Engineering Expo

Bartow, Florida -- In February, Jesse Keen Elementary STEAM Academy students got full exposure to the engineering field at USF's 41st Annual Engineering Expo.

During the outing, students got to see first hand how important engineering is in their everyday lives. They also got to participate in interactive activities by USF students organizations, explore engineering departments, research laboratories and meet with local engineers.

Florida State Parks announces new, free mobile app

Florida State Parks announces new, free mobile app

Florida-- Trees, lakes, trails, wildlife- they're all things that come to mind when thinking about Florida's parks. Techonology, smartphones and applications, howeverm are probably the last things to come to mind- until now!

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Park Services department has announced the launch of their new, free mobile application, which will serve as an interactive guide for users on the go at any of Florida's 171 parks, trails and historic sites. 

Polk Sheriff's Office launches new mobile app

Polk Sheriff's Office launches new mobile app

Polk Co., FL-- As a part of the Polk County Sheriff's Office ongoing effort to keep citizens informed, they have proudly announced the launching of their new PCSO mobile app. 

Here is what officials are saying about the app:

Thanks to the Appriss® mobile phone application, you can now take PCSO information with you wherever you go.

Police: Crime rate dropped 26% during RNC, SAFECOP makes a difference

Police: Crime rate dropped 26% during RNC, SAFECOP makes a difference

Tampa, Florida-- As the City of Tampa prepared for its first ever National Special Security Event, the Republican National Convention, the Tampa Police Department quietly deployed a cutting edge technology called SAFECOP to ensure citizens' safety.

It seems to have been successful, seeing that most cities typically have an increase in crime while law enforcement cover large scale events, and Tampa's crime rate actually dropped 26% during the RNC (even though there were 20% fewer detectives, crime analysts and plain clothes ROC officers on hand).

Soda and science unite

Soda and science unite

Bartow, Florida -- Calling all soda and science lovers and daredevils! 

Bartow Public Library is beginning a new series at the library that’s all about making science fun! On Aug. 30 at 4:30 p.m., come out as they make carbonated rockets and enjoy a cold soda.

For ages 9-12.

Middle School students first to become Microsoft Certified

Middle School students first to become Microsoft Certified

Bartow, Florida -- Once upon a time you had to be a college graduate and bonafide brainiac to be a certified Microsoft pro.

Not anymore.

This year, education officials say students at eight Polk County Public Schools will have access to resources such as online classes and software when they attend the Microsoft IT Academy.

For the first time ever, middle school students who attend the Microsoft IT Academy will be able to become Microsoft Certified.

Florida is the first state in the nation to offer the program at middle schools.