By Rose Barnes, Health & Senior Services Librarian
As the nights get longer and the temperature starts to really drop, I love to stay home and get cozy. One of my favorite winter activities that I’ve embraced since the start of the pandemic is watching movies while I work on puzzles.
While there are so many streaming services available, I find that I mostly prefer to check out movies from the library. Did you know that there are so many options for checking out and accessing movies with your Oak Park library card?
Below, find three ways you can watch movies this holiday season and beyond.
1. Stream on Hoopla
One of my favorite ways to check out and access movies from the library is through Hoopla. Hoopla is part of your digital library, which means that you can check out ebooks, digital audiobooks, movies, TV shows, and more instantly—no holds, no waiting—on a computer, tablet or smartphone with your Oak Park library card and PIN.
Here are some fun holiday collections on Hoopla:
Never used Hoopla? Here are some tips on how to get started:
Create an account
If you haven’t created a Hoopla account yet, visit the library’s Hoopla page to watch the how-to library video and learn how to create an account using your Oak Park library card and PIN, and get started navigating Hoopla.
Remember: When you log into your Hoopla account, you’ll use your email address and the password you created when you set up your Hoopla account.
Check out movies
Search for movies using the search bar or browse available films:
- When using your browser: Click on the Browse button and then click on Movies.
- If you’re using the Hoopla app: Just click on Movies.
Once you find the movie you want simply click borrow. If you’re using the app on a smartphone or tablet, then I recommend downloading the movie after you check it out. You can check out up to 30 items on Hoopla a month.
Add the Hoopla app to a TV
You can stream movies you check out from Hoopla on your TV if you have a streaming device (like a Roku or Fire TV Stick).
Download the Hoopla app to your streaming device, and then log in following the instructions on the app. Your account will automatically sync to your TV once you log in, and you’ll be able to play your movies from the app.
2. Stream on Kanopy
Also part of your digital library, Kanopy is a collection of movies and TV shows, and has so many wonderful hidden gems! Like Hoopla, you can stream instantly—no waiting, no holds—and you can access the movies on a computer, tablet, smartphone, or smart TV with your Oak Park library card and PIN.
Kanopy is home to a lot of classic, international, and independent movies, and you can find the holiday collection all in one place:
Never used Kanopy? Here are some tips on how to get started:
Create an account
If you haven’t created a Kanopy account yet, visit the library’s Kanopy page to watch the how-to library video and learn how to create an account using your Oak Park library card and PIN, and get started navigating Kanopy.
Remember: When you log into your Kanopy account, you’ll use your email address and the password you created when you set up your Kanopy account.
Check out movies
You can search for movies in the search bar or browse movies by hovering over the Browse button and then clicking on a genre or collection. Once you find the movie you want, simply click play. If you’re using the app on a smartphone or tablet then I recommend downloading the movie after you check it out. You can watch up to 20 movies a month.
Add the Kanopy app to a smart TV
You can stream your Kanopy movie on your tv if you have a smart TV or a streaming device (like a Roku or Fire TV Stick).
Download the Kanopy app to your smart TV or streaming device, and then log in following the instructions on the app. Your account will automatically sync to your TV once you log in, and you’ll be able to play your movies from the app.
3. Check out DVDs & Blu-ray discs
DVDs and Blu-ray discs are the most common and probably the most familiar way to access and check out movies from the library. You can come into any branch to browse movies. But you also can easily place a hold using the library’s catalog, and we’ll gather your requests and put them on a shelf for you to conveniently pick up.
Below are some quick lists of holiday movies that you might enjoy:
About Rose
Rose is an Adult Services Librarian specializing in health and senior services. She is a passionate reader, baker, and explorer who is always planning her next adventure.
