Bentonville Public Library

Tech Loans

Bentonville Public Library proudly offers a vast array of technology for patrons!  All devices are free to checkout after initial completion of the Tech Loan Agreement which covers all devices for the duration of a valid library account.  The purpose of BPL’s Tech Loans is to bridge the digital divide and provide patrons with access to different forms of technology.  Please see below for loan rules and parameters:

Guidelines for Borrowing

• Borrowers must be at least 18 years old, or have responsible party’s consent.
  • If responsible party consent obtained, must be 10 years old and up.
• Have a non-temporary library account in good standing.
• Must complete the Tech Loan Agreement, or agree to allow staff to complete the form.
• Must adhere to Bentonville Public Library’s Technology Guidelines.

Laptops

• Programs / software available on the Laptops
  • Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, InfoPath, OneNote, Publisher and SharePoint.  
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge.
  • Connect to and print from the library’s public Wi-Fi network.
  • Specific programs are installed to protect Library settings on each device.
• Laptops come with the following:
  • Power adapter and cord.
  • Mouse, upon request.

iPads & eReaders

• iPads & eReaders allow users to adjust the size of text, opening up a world of possibilities for large print users.  
• If you have difficulties turning pages, all it takes with an iPad or eReader is one swipe of your finger!

iPads 

• Preloaded with general library-related apps: Overdrive, Libby, Freegal, BPL Mobile, Tutor.com, Flipster.
• Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity availability.
• iPads come with the following:
  • Charging cord.
  • Charging adapter.
  • Bag.

eReaders

• Amazon Kindles and NOOK Simple Touches (Black/White), Color and HR devices available.
• Each device contains genre specific content pre-loaded for ease of use.  A handful of available genres are listed below:
  • Adult Best Sellers: Fiction & Non-Fiction.
  • Romance, Suspense, Supernatural & Sci-Fi/Fantasy.
  • Business & Leadership, Job & Career.
  • Popular Juvenile & Teen.
  • Picture, Chapter and Easy Fiction.
  • Teen Graphics.
• eReaders come with the following:
  • Charging cord.
  • Charging adapter.
  • Bag.

Telescopes

• Sugar Creek Astronomical Society and a generous patron in the community have donated an Orion StarBlast 4.5” telescope for patrons to take home and explore the sky for themselves!
• Patrons can put a telescope on hold by calling or logging on at www.bentonvillelibrary.org.
• BPL is the first Northwest Arkansas library to participate in the STAR (Sharing Telescopes and Astronomy Resources) program.
• Telescopes come with everything one will need to view the night skies including:
  • Red/white headlamp for viewing in low-light areas.
  • Telecope’s user guide.
  • Audubon Constellation Guide.
  • Care and Transport handout.
  • Other links of interest:
    • New Hampshire Astronomical Society: http://nhastro.org/ltp.php
    • Cornerstones of Science about the LTP: 
      http://www.cornerstonesofscience.org/what-we-do/programs-supports-and-services/library-telescope-program/
    • Sky and Telescope article about the LTP: http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/stargazers-corner/library-telescope-program-update/

• Dark Sky Forecast for NWA: http://cleardarksky.com/c/HbbsARkey.html
• Sugar Creek Astronomical Society Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/143382315673668