By Taylor Hale
PORTAGE COUNTY – Portage County Public Library Director Larry Oathout sat down with Portage County Gazette staff to give a monthly update on local library operations. This month Oathout talked about a new phone app and summer reading program.

New app available for library guests

Oathout said that a new phone app that lets guests manage their library account and more debuted on June 1. The new app, LINKcat Mobile, is replacing the former LINKcat app used by libraries across the South Central library system.
“It used to be very clunky and didn’t work very well and a lot of people complained about it,” Oathout said. “So that’s been one of the main things they have been working on is streamlining everything, and now it’s finally here.”
The app allows guests to make holds, renew items, view their checkouts and other aspects of their account, and even lets guests use their phone camera as a barcode scanner to scan books at stores to see if they are available at a local public library.
The old app will be maintained and run throughout the remainder of June. Oathout said that iPhone users should not have to redownload the LINKcat app, but simply update their existing app. Android users will have to uninstall their old app and download the new one from the app shop.
To learn more about LINKcat mobile visit: linkcat.info. The LINKcat Mobile app supports accounts from all Portage County branches.

Summer reading programs

The library is rolling out its Tails and Tales reading program from June 7 through July 31. The program is kicking off at all Portage County branches and is available for children through adults.
This year’s program will be based entirely online. Registration is now open on the Portage County Public Library website. There is a preschool program, school-age program, and teen and adult programs.
“We are opening it up for everyone this year,” Oathout said.
Participants log their reading minutes online to win fun badges and prizes. Readers can win up to two free books, and tickets to enter a raffle contest towards the end of the event.

To learn more about other summer programs and online activities, visit pocolibrary.org or check out the Portage County Public Library on Facebook.