I have some code but I am traveling and it is not with me. Back at home next week end and if you are still interested I can load that. Usually I have an examples folder with the library - was one not there?
Any 595 type IC will work. The LS and HC differ in the technology used to implement the IC, but they are functionally equivalent.
You should get familiar with these shift registers as they will allow you to expand the number of I/O while still only using 3 pins. Eventually you run out of pins otherwise. Lots of schematics on how to implement these, just look for them on this forum or Google. I think this is the easiest technique despite using some additional hardware.
The are other ways you can achieve this by multiplexing, but the software becomes more complicated and you may not always want to be updating the display as a major task for the CPU.