When did streaming services become so expensive? Recently, I compiled a list of all my show and movie related expenses and could not help but gawk at the final total. Besides the fact that some of my favorite movies jump between paid platforms at inopportune times, keeping up with rising subscription prices is becoming increasingly difficult.
Between Kindle reading, music on the go, and streaming entertainment, the cost of using everything but the library made me reconsider my priorities. Luckily, even if a trip to the library is out of the question, the Herrick District Library offers a vast array of free online resources to all patrons.
My Kindle reading habits stem from a need for easy online access to my favorite books, knowing that I can read whatever I want, whenever I want. One of the greatest things about Hoopla is that it enables patrons to access their favorite books from anywhere.
Hoopla helps me easily find new reads without the hassle of joining a waiting list. With Hoopla access, patrons are offered a plethora of eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and even comics.
Another platform, Libby, also offers thousands of eBook and eAudiobook titles for library users. With Libby, you can access the Midwest Collaborative, an organization dedicated to sharing resources amongst Michigan and Indiana libraries. You can also add up to 12 library systems, allowing patrons to access a wider range of books.
As for music lovers, Hoopla also provides on-demand listening to newly released albums and curated music collections. Some of the most popular recent checkouts include Taylor Swift’s brand-new album The Life of a Showgirl, the K-pop Demon Hunters soundtrack, and even Broadway musicals.
Through the Herrick District Library, patrons also have access to Kanopy, a streaming platform with thousands of movies, including award winning films and blockbuster documentaries. Use your free movie credits to select a film, then watch it as much as you’d like for 72 hours. Captioning and transcripts are provided for the majority of the content. From Ladybird to Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Kanopy offers movies and shows for all ages.
By using all the resources the library offers, you unlock thousands of online entertainment options, free and easily accessible with a current library card and a pin number.
