In our modern world of streaming movies, many libraries offer apps with similar options for ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, music albums and films, free to use from electronic devices.
Some of these apps are hoopla, RBdigital, Libby, OverDrive and Kanopy.
Selection and rules for borrowing vary per app and library, but materials can be temporarily downloaded to use without requiring connection to cellular data or Wi-Fi, convenient for audiobooks during a commute.
Berks County Public Libraries include more than 20 locations. This library system, through Reading Public Library but for all residents who also have a valid card to a library in the county, offers Libby and OverDrive app accounts.
Emily Orischak, Community Relations Coordinator for Berks County Public Libraries, explains more.
“For videos, you will need to download the official OverDrive app,” Orischak notes. “Libby and OverDrive are part of the same company and both offer the same content, but presently, only OverDrive has the ability to play videos. In fact, ebooks and audiobooks you borrow on one app will still be available for you to read or listen to on the other. OverDrive has a very helpful resource center. It walks users through how to borrow items on the app or through a browser.”
She adds, “There are no restrictions to the number of checkouts per month, but a user can only have 10 items checked out at one time. You can select the loan period for 7, 14 or 21 days, depending on your preference. The borrowed item will be automatically returned at the end of your loan period, or you can return early to open up another borrowing spot.”
Some libraries within the county host certain apps; check with your own library's staff for specifics.
And for those looking for even more apps as these free-to-borrow choices, the Free Library of Philadelphia allows any Pennsylvania resident to create an account online to secure a library card number. This can all be done remotely, from home.
The Free Library of Philadelphia quickly offers access to hoopla, RBdigital and Kanopy, once you have an account.
Kanopy provides a wide array of classic, foreign and independent films, documentaries and educational movies.
With libraries funded mostly through taxes, fundraising and donations to be able to supply varied types of borrowing for free, these new approaches are a welcome resource. Try one or a few of these apps for yourself.
