Let me level with you. I was not paid or asked to do this blog post. I am just excited so I have to share!
Quite a while ago I wrote about how to borrow e-books from the library, alternatives to cable television, and how to stream TV. Well today I am here to tell you about another awesome (and FREE) service to stream television, movies, music, and audiobooks THROUGH YOUR LIBRARY!
I’ll preface with saying that not all libraries have this service, but more are signing up every day.
Hoopla Digital is a new(~ish) service that allows you to borrow movies, television shows, music, and audiobooks from your library right through your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
To start borrowing you’ll need to sign up and search for your library system. If your library doesn’t yet offer this service you can sign up for the Hoopla newsletter, then go bug your librarian to get the service!
Once you have an account you enter your library card number and you’re ready to go, you can start downloading and streaming media immediately. Hoopla does offer real-time streaming if you’re on wifi, but they’re different from other streaming video providers in that they will allow you to temporarily download the content so you can play it when you’re off wifi without racking up data charges.
Each library system will have it’s own guidelines for how many items you can borrow and for how long. My system allows 10 items a month, with a borrowing period of 3 days for videos & 2 weeks for music and audiobooks.
Hoopla is an awesome service and I really, really can’t wait for it to go nationwide! Check out the Hoopla website today and talk to your library about adding it!
