Southlake Public Library cardholders can access Blinkist, a digital service that condenses popular books into 15-minute summaries, at no cost.
The service offers plain-language summaries in both text and audio, covering topics including business, personal development, parenting, science and psychology, according to MySouthlakeNews. Each summary highlights a book's key ideas and takeaways.
The library is "one of the first libraries in Texas" to offer Blinkist, MySouthlakeNews reported.
Anyone with an active Southlake Public Library card can sign up. Library cards are free for Southlake residents, Carroll ISD students, parents and staff, city employees and local business owners, according to Community Impact. Those who don't qualify for a free card can purchase a year of access for $40.
The library, which opened Sept. 26, 2001, offers more than 250,000 digital resources alongside over 40,000 physical items, according to Community Impact. City Librarian Cynthia Pfledderer and Library Manager Jennifer Tucker were featured in an October city spotlight video marking the library's 25th anniversary.
MySouthlakeNews noted students can use the summaries to review for tests, professionals can prepare for meetings and readers can sample a topic before checking out the full book. Audio versions work during a commute or a walk.
To sign up, cardholders visit the library's Blinkist page, select "Join now" and enter their card number and PIN. After confirming an email address, summaries are available in any web browser or through the Blinkist app on the Apple App Store or Google Play.
