Powell River Public Library patrons now have access to a Netflix-style, on-demand streaming digital service that will allow them to access to a greater resource of materials.
The library has signed an agreement to provide library card holders access to Hoopla.
Through Hoopla, library users will be able to download or stream movies, music, television programs and audiobooks.
The initiative is based on a transactional model, so unlike the way libraries currently work, there are no wait lists for popular materials and no late fees. When a borrowed title’s loan period is up it is automatically returned.
Movies and television programs are available for three-day loan, while patrons will have a week to enjoy downloaded music and three weeks for audiobooks.
Users are limited to borrowing three items per month.
“We aim to be a community hub and provide citizens with information and entertainment in as many ways as possible,” said Katie Kinsley, assistant chief librarian at Powell River’s library. “Twenty-first century libraries aren’t just about books, it’s part of our mandate to offer digital resources too.” She said the public library strives to provide books, digital resources and offer information and skills through community events and workshops.
“Space is always a concern for us,” said Kinsley. “Hoopla allows us to offer more music and films, ones that we don’t currently have space for in our current collection.”
She said the service is made available with support from the IslandLink Library Federation.
Downloading is available for phones and mobile devices. While content can not be downloaded to a PC or Mac computer, it can be streamed over the Internet.
In order to download, users must have Hoopla’s free app on their device which can be found on Apple’s App Store or Google Play.
To start borrowing, users then sign up for a free account at hoopladigital.com with a valid Powell River Public Library card and an email address.
The library is offering assistance to anyone having technical difficulties accessing the service. Help sessions are offered Saturday afternoons at 4 pm. To book a help session, readers can contact the library at 604.485.4796 or email Mark Merlino [email protected].
