My BPL Experience: The Good and The Meh

Image via businessinsider.comRecently, the Brooklyn Public Library put out their mobile app and I decided to give it a spin. Of course, nothing beats a trip over to the library itself, but no one wants to rush there to renew their copy of Moonlit Love Affair or whatever you guys are reading these days during a busy work week.

Overall the look and feel are decent, not the most beautiful app I’ve ever seen, but it’s certainly passable for the simple functionality and purpose.

THE GOOD:

Image Via the Brooklyn Public Library-Holds + Renews: Not only can you put a hold on a book you’ve been dying to read, but you can also renew through the app when you realize that you’ve been putting off that reading because you’ve made personal goals to plug through 14 seasons of SVU by April.

Image via the Brooklyn Public Library-View + Pay Fines: I notoriously am late returning books, not because I am forgetful, but mostly because I check out a zillion titles at the same time and can never finish them by the due date. What’s a few extra days, right? Wrong. In other news, I owe the library over $30 dollars currently. With this app, you can take the shame out of paying for your fines in person and do it in the comfort of your own tiny, ass apartment.

Image via the Brooklyn Public LibraryTHE MEH:
-eBooks: I’m a Kindle person and I can’t check out eBooks and download them directly to my device. I have to use a third application and it feels a bit clunky. ( I am totally aware this is a first world problem)

-Hard to browse:  On a mini screen, it takes FOREVER to search and scroll. This app would be perfect if you’re looking for something specific, but if you’re just browsing to pique your interest, I’d head to the website or physical library for fear of oncoming carpal tunnel.

For more info, check out The Brooklyn Public Library site. Have you used the app yet? What do you think?