With app, library users can access films, music, books from anywhere

Kelcy Dolan
Posted 8/12/14

There’s a new Hoopla at the Warwick Public Library that allows library cardholders to take out movies, music, and audio books from anywhere.

The Warwick Library has partnered with Hoopla, a new …

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With app, library users can access films, music, books from anywhere

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There’s a new Hoopla at the Warwick Public Library that allows library cardholders to take out movies, music, and audio books from anywhere.

The Warwick Library has partnered with Hoopla, a new and free app that allows library members to access thousands upon thousands of archives of digital media from their PC, tablet or phone.

The new service started in late July.

Those who have downloaded the app can access the library’s online rentals by entering their library card number then selecting movies, books, and music.

Jana Stevenson, the public services manager for the library, said, “Of all the different library apps, Hoopla seems to have gotten it right.”

Both the app and rentals are free. Late fees are not a problem because once the time runs out; Hoopla automatically stops access to the rental.

Hoopla has been finding popularity across the nation. More than 100 libraries across the country have partnered with Hoopla, over a quarter of them in the New England region alone. Warwick was the second library in the state to partner with Hoopla; the first was in Greenville.

Stevenson said that so far the program has been very popular; not only do the patrons enjoy the simplicity of the program, but also the library staff enjoys the endless rentals.

“The program is ever growing, always getting new movies and titles,” Stevenson said. “This app offers more variety than we can offer in-house and yet it takes up no room of our facility. You can access it all from anywhere.”

The Hoopla website says, “From Hollywood Blockbusters to best selling authors and artists, you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy. But its not just the latest titles – we also have an extensive catalog of educational materials, children’s titles, foreign films, and other hard-to-find content not offered anywhere else.”

Hoopla works like the Netflix for libraries; for a standard fee the library received access to Hoopla’s endless archives of digital media

By partnering with Hoopla, the library agreed to pay $1.80 per rental, thus every cardholder is limited to 10 rentals a month through Hoopla. The renter is not responsible for this payment, but the library.

When rented, movies and videos are rented for three days, music for seven, and audio books for over 20 days.

Stevenson said the program has been successful so far; both movies and audio books are popular, but the music rentals are “off the charts.” People are still turning to the library for their book rentals.

Stevenson said, “You only need your library card. A couple of clicks, and you’re done. It is so easy.”

For more information on Hoopla, visit the Warwick Public Library; there is a demo screen near the entrance or their website at www.warwicklibrary.org. You can also visit Hoopla’s website at www.hoopladigital.com.

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