What's with all the hoopla?

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: KERRA SEAY
Using a smartphone, or any device with access to the apple store, people can download hoopla digital, London Public Library's free version of Netflix, all people need is a library card.

Streaming from online sources like Netflix is the new way to watch television and movies at home. This can certainly be a more cost effective option rather than purchasing a home cable package, but what’s even better, is when it’s free.

The London Public Library has now introduced its very own version of Netflix called hoopla digital, which is free to anyone with a library card.

Jeff Jankowski, owner and founder of hoopla digital said, “[It] is a category creating service that enables library patrons to instantly borrow, download and stream thousands of movies, music, eBooks and more from their public library for free, 24/7 with a library card.”

Patrons can experience, explore and enjoy free content from their public library in a new way that is mobile, free, easy-to-use and always available. This service provides over 7000 movies and over 12,000 television shows to choose from.

In addition Jankowski said, “Hoopla digital gives cardholders online and mobile access to more than 380,000 popular titles from major Hollywood studios, publishers and record companies such as Universal Pictures, Warner Music, DC Comics, MGM and National Geographic, just to name a few. They can also gain access to niche content such as educational videos and documentaries, foreign films, SAT prep materials, children and fitness videos.”

Once you are done with any of the materials that you have checked out, they will automatically be returned so you won’t have to worry about late fees.

The London Public Library currently offers some digital materials, but there is a limit on how many copies of something can be borrowed at a time.

“Patrons can use hoopla digital to instantly access popular titles right away – a dynamic change from the ‘one user, one copy’ library model,” Jankowski said.

Thus far, this service has been receiving positive feedback from its users.

“Our library customers love hoopla digital because the service enables them to instantly expand their content offering with thousands of titles; always available for library cardholders,” Jankowski said.

This service can be accessed by an app called hoopla digital, which can be found at the app stores for iPhones, Androids, Kindles and also by computer.

To access this service you will need a library card and to obtain one you can sign up by going to your local library. Cards are free for residents of London as well as Fanshawe students.

In order to be able to attain a library card, bring in two pieces of personal identification as well as something to prove your address.

If you are not from London, be sure to bring in your Fanshawe student card. Once that is set up you will have free access to thousands of great products from hoopla digital.