Do you want to get a streaming service that gives you access to a huge collection of films, documentaries, TV series, children’s content, and much more, all of it absolutely free with no monthly charge and no ads?
The Thompson-Nicola Regional Library (TNRL) service has you covered. It has just introduced its newest electronic resource, Kanopy, which is the premier video streaming service for libraries in North America. It contains fabulous films from around the world via the renowned Criterion Collection, as well as content from PBS and the BBC, popular films and TV series, online lectures, and much more.
“We are thrilled to offer Kanopy to our communities as part of our expanding digital resources,” says Jenny Abramzik, the TNRL’s manager of discovery and support services. “This service gives our patrons access to a world of high-quality video content, from classic films to educational lectures, all for free. It’s another way we are responding to the growing demand for streaming services and e-content.”
The TNRL has seen a 26 per cent increase in circulation for the Libby collection of e-books and e-audiobooks over the past year. Another TNRL streaming platform, hoopla, has seen an increase in circulation of 29 per cent over the same period.
All you need to access Kanopy — or any of the TNRL’s other online, digital, or streaming services — is a valid library card, which is absolutely free, and can be obtained at any TNRL branch (including the Mobile Library) or online.
Patrons get 16 tickets a month to use for Kanopy films and TV series; films require two to four tickets each, while TV series require to two five tickets (which gets you access to the entire series). Borrowing limits reset on the first of each month. Most Kanopy titles have closed captions and transcripts, and all foreign language films have subtitles. Some of the films also have public performance rights, meaning you can show them publicly to an audience: perfect for a community film night.
“Kanopy Kids” titles do not require any tickets. This service offers unlimited streaming for children’s programming, including storybooks, animated classics, educational shows, and more, making it perfect for families.
It’s easy to get started with Kanopy. Once you have a library card, visit www.tnrl.ca/kanopy or download the Kanopy app, then log in using your library card number and set up a username and password. You can create a watchlist to save titles for later, and titles can be viewed on any PC or Mac web browser, on Apple or Android mobile devices, or on smart TVs.
The addition of Kanopy means that the TNRL now has more than 30,000 free films and shows to choose from. To explore the TNRL’s full suite of digital resources, visit www.tnrl.ca/digital-library.
