Effective June 30, 2021, we will no longer be offering Kanopy and Hoopla services to our patrons. Instead, the Free Library will use the funding for those subscriptions to support our collections of physical materials in neighborhood libraries.
While we know this is disappointing to Kanopy and Hoopla users, we will continue to offer downloadable audiobooks, ebooks, and streaming music and video through our other services. If you are looking for audiobooks, check out our huge selection in Overdrive. For ebooks, check out Freading, Overdrive, and our deep selection of reference books in Gale eBooks. For graphic novels and movies, we have some titles in Overdrive, and also an incredibly robust collection in our neighborhood libraries! Place a hold in our catalog to have any title shipped to your nearest library.
If you want to capture what you have read/used on Hoopla, you can view your Hoopla borrowing history by going to My Account in the upper left of the screen and clicking on History. This page can be printed for your records. You can also click on Favorites in My Account to see the authors or titles you have made Favorites.
For Kanopy, once on their page you can view and print your history by clicking on your name in the upper right corner and selecting "Viewing History."
Remember that if there is a title you can't find in our catalog, you can always recommend it through our Ask a Librarian service!
Effective June 30, 2021, we will no longer be offering Kanopy and Hoopla services to our patrons.
Have a question for Free Library staff? Please submit it to our Ask a Librarian page and receive a response within two business days.
Bad move! Very disappointed!
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Were Kanopy and Hoopla the least used databases? Wondering the reasoning for this decision. I thought they'd be the most popular.
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
The Free Library is going backward. The emphasis should be on digital materials, not paper. Eliminating these two resources is a mistake. Does the library have a good database alternative to Kanopy for videos? Seems like you are going back to DVDs. If you want Philadelphia taxpayers to support the Free Library, you can't make mistakes like this. Did the FLP survey patrons/PHL card holders, to see what their opinion was on this change?
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
I am really disappointed to hear this. Kanopy was a fantastic resource for me to use with my students, and it helped me boost library use by insisting they have a card. I really hope there is a way to place more funding into digital and streaming materials.
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Very disappointed. These are great resources especially for people who have a difficult time traveling to the library. Seems like a backward move. Where these resources not well used?
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Very sad to lose Kanopy, where I've seen some of my favorite documentaries that really aren't available elsewhere. And only 2 weeks of warning. We'll fight to get funding back.
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Very disappointed with this news as an avid Hoopla user and regular Free Library donor. Agree with others that digital resources should be expanded rather than removed entirely with no public input. I realize they are probably two of the more expensive services, but it is also the what is in demand. The Library should be doing more to promote and support these types on content.
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
I'm so happy to hear the neighborhood library users will have increased access to updated collections! This will benefit some of those most in need, especially those with limited computer/internet access. And all of us around the city can make use of them by placing holds to pick up at our local branches! We can all advocate for increased library funding so that even more resources, print and digital, can be offered throughout the city. In the meantime, I applaud the library for making decisions based on the needs of the entire community.
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
This is very disappointing. We need more access to digital publishing and materials, not less. We need a vast increase in library funding, not more austerity and cutting of services. Very disappointing..
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
I'm extremely disappointed. I truly appreciated Hoopla's extensive selection and the fact that you could borrow an item immediately. It also has many items not in the FLP database. Apparently there is no other way to use it except through a library, which is frustrating. As a senior citizen who relied on digital media even before the pandemic, this decision to remove such a valued resource is truly a step backwards. As a long-time member and supporter of the FLP, I will seriously be reconsidering my support in the future.
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
This is outrageous. Who still reads paperbacks? Are neighborhood libraries seeing traffic post-Covid? I strongly oppose this. It's literally has the best digital offerings and you're getting rid of it?
Thursday, June 17, 2021
I'm seriously considering moving to another city after this. No hoopla? I used to get college reading material on there. Audiobooks, Kendrick Lamar albums...smh y'all drawling for canceling that. You didn't even ask us why services were value the most.
Thursday, June 17, 2021
Saddened by the decision to discontinue Hoppla. Wait time for audiobooks within Libby (overdrive) can be 20+ weeks. Now with Hoppla being discontinued, I see wait times on Libby growing exponentially. I guess I will need to go back to using my Discman to listen to books while I walk.
Friday, June 18, 2021
Wow really can't believe that not one but both of these services are now to be discontinued. Have been using them for years. It was a go to service during the Pandemic. There is probably a need to replace and upgrade library materials but this is really a backward move. Really very disappointed.
Friday, June 25, 2021
I was wondering just how many Hoopla and Kanopy users are aware that this service is going to end June 30th 2021. I just happen to find out by chance. Do we not matter? Should we not have gotten a notice via email or at the very least, the front page of the freelibrary website. This service saved me during the past 15 months of Covid-19 restrictions and quarantine. I wonder how many others will feel the same way as I do. Yes, the money will be put to good use elsewhere, but I will be sad to see this particular service go.
Friday, June 25, 2021
This is a real shame, those resources were invaluable during the pandemic and should only find increased use.
Monday, June 28, 2021
Just learning of this today, and I'm devistated. After losing my job due to the pandemic Hoopla got me through. Is there nothing we can do to petition against this decision?
Thursday, July 1, 2021
I really hope Kanopy comes up with a way to make their model more affordable to clients like FLP because I was really gutted to hear this. I used my last credit to watch High School, the doc shot right at Northeast HS! Dunno where else I could have watched it...
Thursday, July 1, 2021
I was really looking forward to watching movies over this holiday weekend. Sorry to read that Hoopla and Kanopy have been discontinued.
Friday, July 2, 2021
Really disappointed by this news. I used and loved Hoopla. I was recommending it to everyone I know too. Just a bad move imo and now the library will get less service from me.
Friday, July 2, 2021
Wow. This is highly disappointing. Our household of 5 maxes out our borrowing limit almost every single month for the last 3 years. There are so many titles on Hoopla that are not available on Overdrive. The perk of not having to wait for a title to become available was a huge draw. I'd rather pay another subscription fee to a library in a different county or state, or purchase the title outright than wait the several months it'd take for something to be available through the Philadelphia library. I agree with another commenter, this is a completely backwards move. Wrong direction folks!
Friday, July 2, 2021
Wow, this is very disappointing!! Hoopla typically had all the books I was hoping to read while the Libby/Overdrive did not have them. Please reconsider this decision!
Friday, July 2, 2021
Hoopla has been a valued resource for my entire family. This is truly disappointing and frustrating.
Saturday, July 3, 2021
I agree with others that this was a valuable resource for myself and my son to get ebooks we wanted to read without waiting for weeks at a time as on Overdrive/Libby. We gave up on the physical materials ages ago because they are not typically available and the selection is weaker, in our opinion. There was also very poor communication of the change in policy as well. I'd rather you got rid of Libby and keep Hoopla.
Sunday, July 4, 2021
You would think that they could have waited longer before discontinuing Kanopy, so as not to need to physical touch library materials, due to the still lingering presence of the Covid virus. Remember that even with a vaccination, you can still get sick.
Monday, July 5, 2021
Shocked to know that my access to Hoopla has ended and only found out from Hoopla after submitting tech support request. There is no neighborhood library that is accessible to me as a senior citizen, except by bus with a long walk. Also, pre-pandemic, staffing shortages forced closes of branch libraries on several occasions when I did make the trek to the branch library. The wait times for books on Overdrive is very long, usually over six months. On Hoopla, Titles were available immediately. Being at hone alone for the last 16 months, Hoopla audiobooks were a valuable resource. Very sad and disappointed Hoopla will no longer be available. Will audiobooks on Overdrive be available sooner? I do not like Libby and I don't understand why it is promoted by the library over Overdrive. Css as n you tell me why? I read or listen to several books a week, so loosing Hoopla is devastating news. Thanks.
Tuesday, July 6, 2021
Badly done! What a terrible decision. Hoopla and Kanopy were the only good things the Free Library had going for it, especially over the last year. Limited operating hours, beleaguered staff, poor service, and epic wait times made me want to walk away (and who ditches their library?!) but you had these wonderful resources to make up for it. I don't know if the city's budget is the main issue, or if FLP has terrible administrators - but ya'll need to get it together.
Tuesday, July 6, 2021
Very disappointed that this decision was made. The access to hoopla had helped my 11 yr old actually like to read / listen to books. This is so sad for us and your other patrons. I supports physical copies, but not at the expense of services that enable accessability for more patrons.
Tuesday, July 6, 2021
Very disappointed that this decision was made. The access to hoopla had helped my 11 yr old actually like to read / listen to books. This is so sad for us and your other patrons. I supports physical copies, but not at the expense of services that enable accessability for more patrons.
Tuesday, July 6, 2021
Dumbest move ever. What's next? More stone tablets and chisels?
Tuesday, July 6, 2021
This is incredibly disappointing. I used Hoopla to read graphic novels and there are not nearly as many on overdrive. I am very upset by this. I hope FLP reconsiders!
Wednesday, July 7, 2021
As a home bound senior I'm so disappointed that you discontinued hoopla and kanopy. I am thrilled however to be able to read magazines on Libby. Please don't ever stop that service.
Thursday, July 8, 2021
This is a really bad move. Look at the comments here. While there are only a few dozen, I'm sure there are countless more outraged patrons. Was there a survey? Did anyone consider feedback from us? Lovett Library was closed for a long time due to construction and then the pandemic closed the branch. I'm not even sure its open.
We need more accessibility, not less.
I am deeply dismayed.
Thursday, July 8, 2021
I agree with the rest of the comments, that this is a poorly thought out move. My local library is still closed and these are the only services I've been using.
Yes there is a digital divide in the city, but one that is closing thanks in part to the pandemic. Now all the tech-savvy patrons who were using Hoopla and Kanopy will reserve the good stuff online and drive up wait-list times before others get a chance to get them in person, assuming their local library is even open. It doesn't seem like such unintended consequences have been thought through. A better compromise between the two could have been reached, such as keep at least one of the services or reduce monthly credits (2 is better than none).
However, if you have more detailed analysis and data that supports this decision, I think you owe it to your patrons to share it and fully explain how this new arrangement better meets the needs of Free Library users. This inadequate blog post leaves all of us with more questions than answers.
Saturday, July 10, 2021
I learned of the FLP's decision to no longer offer Hoopla and Kanopy a few days ago. I agree with many other commenters that this decision is shortsighted and without any information regarding costs and service usage, the claims made in the above article's announcement dismissive. Many ebooks on Hoopla are not available through Libby (and if by chance they are it's with a lengthy wait time.) I know Kanopy offers a wide range of films; it won't be economically possible to replicate a fraction of the service's library of films physically through the library system.
I feel the Free Library owes its patrons more information regarding this decision in regards to cost and use, as well as a plan on how it plans to spend the money it is saving to bring the wide range of products these services offered to patrons.
Sunday, July 11, 2021
Moving away from these services is not a very wise idea. Being able to have resources at your fingertips, on demand is far more reaching than physical resources at various branches. It makes materials much less accessible. This decision should be reversed.
Sunday, July 11, 2021
I discovered hoopla during the pandemic. It was a lifesaver since the libraries were closed. Since you aren't completely opening libraries to full service yet, and I'm supposing saving a lot of money on staff salaries and building maintenance expenses why couldn't the library keep this service available a little longer? You can't really browse at the library yet, but you can browse hoopla. Your other digital services don't compare in selection, accessibility, etc. By the way, I found out that hoopla was not available when I couldn't borrow on July 1st. I had to search this website to find out what happened. Nice way of keeping patrons informed. That's why I'm commenting this late.
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
Sad! Hoopla provides the best audiobook and other digital media sources for readers that other providers cannot compete. Please revisit this unwise decision. To be honest, I don't see any need to shift funding for physical materials when digital media are the trend.
Wednesday, July 14, 2021
I was SHOCKED when I logged on to Kanopy and found it gone. With 30,000 (!) films and documentaries (many not available elsewhere) I finally LOVED the Library. Many of these films are not on DVD and I convinced at least 50 friends to get a library card to use the service. The neighborhood libraries serve a purpose but not everyone can get to a library - and it'll be a while before you open. Access to the Central Library is limited for those without a car and parking is another issue.
I hope you will reconsider at least Kanopy (Hoopla wasn't so great). For now the ONLY video is via physical DVD when only ONE person can "borrow at a time).
Wednesday, July 14, 2021
This is really disappointing. I used both as an educator to increase my knowledge for my class and as a resource to use with the students. Kanopy for Kids had many resources that made sharing literature with children exciting. It will be missed! I can go to the library but my school does not even have a DVD player anymore.
Thursday, July 15, 2021
Your Worthless services are now less than worthless! Overdrive is thin at best. What is next a book mobile in a covered wagon. I wouldn't put it past you.
Thursday, July 15, 2021
Terrible decision. Hoopla library is MUCH more extensive than Overdrive. If there's a book you are interested in reading, the wait time can be over 10 weeks. Even with the city reopening, I don't believe that there's an increased traffic in local branches. I agree with other comments on here, access to digital property should be increased, not the opposite. I would love to see the statistics comparing the differences in use .... before vs. after. Maybe the decision is supposed to direct traffic back to Overdrive and ppl physically going to local branches. This was a bad decision. Even if, after a while the you see a reduction in the public participation, y'all would never admit to it. This decision supports the overall perception of how backwards and out of touch Philadelphia is. This is really sad and disappointing.
Thursday, July 15, 2021
To echo all the other comments, I am disappointed that Kanopy service was discontinued. As a lover of film, I find it unfortunate that many folks particularly younger citizens are losing this valuable resource and service. Film and cinema are important works of art that should be made readily available to all for appreciation.
Thursday, July 15, 2021
This is disappointing, especially considering how few physical locations have reopened.
Saturday, July 17, 2021
Hoopla carried titles not available elsewhere in the system. Why don't you ask patrons for ideas to save resources?
Hoopla presented books in a more interesting way than OverDrive which seems to think it is talking to a group of kindergarten students,
Saturday, July 17, 2021
Very disappointed re discontinuing Hoopla and Kanopy. Smaller townships in New Jersey still stream - why can't a major city like Philadelphia continue this service???
Sunday, July 18, 2021
Library staff: There are almost 50 comments on this post. You should make an official response to patrons.
Your patrons understand Kanopy and Hoopla are very expensive! But they are quite popular and useful, especially for people who are homebound.
Can you tell us who we might write a letter to, to ask that the services be reinstated?
Thanks in advance!
Sunday, July 18, 2021
I discovered this change right after I was thrilled that Hoopla had a book I need for an upcoming college course for free! I was ecstatic to have access to both the e-book and audiobook on demand, only to have my dreams crushed when it came back that I cannot borrow them. This is a huge blow. I used to borrow 2-4 titles per month. Hoopla has a MUCH nicer Graphic Novel/Comic reading experience than Overdrive, and a very different selection than that app. Plus being able to borrow items on demand was huge!
Monday, July 19, 2021
Seriously disappointing as Hoopla offered a large selection of digital items. Not sure how this is helping the library patrons who rely on digital media.
Monday, July 19, 2021
Hello, is there any indication that Philly libraries will include materials from Hoopla and or Kanopy in other areas? As a teacher in the school district of Philadelphia, I rely on Hoopla as a digital resource for instruction in my classroom. From showing historical documentaries, to using primary sources from texts, and using certain texts to replace curriculum materials that don't represent my students nor provide equitable instruction. Hoopla and Kanopy have been valuable resources during the time of the pandemic. If I wasnt planning during my time off this summer, I never would have know that I no longer have these resources at my finger tips. Maybe official word should go out to patrons across the city. This is especially important for patrons who use these resources to serve the most marginalized communities in the city. Thank you!!
Tuesday, July 20, 2021
I just learned about this change from an article in Billy Penn today, and while I personally am seriously disappointed that I won't be able to access these great services anymore, I was also really surprised to see how the costs play out for the library. If what was written in the Billy Penn article was accurate -- these services cost the library 10% of its budget while being used by only 1% of its patrons -- then, disappointed as I am, I can't deny that this is a rational choice, if it helps provide more valuable services to a bigger share of library patrons. Our anger should be directed at the Kanopy and Hoopla platforms, for their unaffordable price structure, and not at libraries that are always under budget pressure to do more with less.
Tuesday, July 20, 2021
This is very disappointing. I loved both of these resources and used them often.
Tuesday, July 20, 2021
Sad to see this go, Hoopla was one of the best services to use with Free Library access during the pandemic, and one of the easiest to use as well. I didn't use Kanopy as much but did watch a couple of movies on there. Hoopla however had ebooks and audio as well, a very good service. I've read that Overdrive acquired Kanopy so I am surprised that, since Free Library already has a contract with them, why service wouldn't continue.
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
I agree with everything everyone is saying. Very BAD Move. Since joining Hoopla I have been reading one to two books a week. I will not be coming into the library as it is not convenient for me. What are you going to do if the city shut down again.
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
'Freading' can be a good choice for those of us who miss Hoopla ebooks. It's not as flashy but there are plenty of books in many categories. I also find that it is easier to use.
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Wednesday, July 21, 2021
This is a seriously bad decision and Kanopy gave us access to foreign and classic films not available elsewhere. Does anyone even own a DVD player anymore? If funding was a problem perhaps you could have offered patrons the option of paying what I'm sure is a nominal fee for access. Extremely disappointed.
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
Really sad to lose Hoopla which had so many great resources that aren't on Libby/overdrive and aren't in the existing system. Thank you so much for providing it for past several years, and definitely curious about why this happened. Was it too expensive? Were there budget cuts? Is there anything we as members & supporters can do?
In general I trust the library is being well led, but as so many others have said hoopla was a lifeline during the pandemic as I can't afford to buy these books or pay for audiobook subscription services. If there was anything we can do to bring it back, please let us know.
Thank you
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
Wow, I was wondering why my hoopla wasn't working. This seems like not a great move, how many people are going to be rushing to the library? The one in my neighborhood is only open 2 days out of the week, and I'm not traveling all the way to the main branch to take out books.
Saturday, July 24, 2021
This is a very disappointing decision. These were excellent resources that have, with little warning, been taken away and not replaced with anything similar. The Free Library of Philadelphia really screwed this up.
Monday, July 26, 2021
Hey, FLP, if you haven't noticed by now, 100% of the comments are firmly opposed your horrendous and asinine decision to discontinue Hoopla. If you had something better to offer, that would be one thing, but Libby and Overdrive are atrocious. CLEARLY, Hoopla is what the people want. Hoopla is easy to use, has a great selection, and DOESN'T PUT YOU ON A WAITLIST! Please reverse this decision and right this wrong immediately!
Monday, July 26, 2021
I am also very disappointed by this. I used Hoopla often and it was one of the best resources that the library offered. I hope the Free Library of Philadelphia will rethink this decision.
Friday, August 6, 2021
Hoopla was incredible and I'm really disappointed in FLOP discontinuing it! Overdrive is great as an alternative but Hoopla's selection was much better in my opinion. None of GraphicAudio's dramas are available on Overdrive but practically all of them were on on Hoopla.
Hugely saddened by this decision and I'm hoping they actually take the negative reaction to this seriously. Libraries should make every effort to make as many avenues to books available to the public - not limit those choices without warning or explanation.
Saturday, August 7, 2021
This is devastating! I have been a fan of Kanopy and Hoopla since the beginning. It's great to be able to find rare movies and foreign movies. Hoopla allows me to borrow books immediately, while Libby takes weeks for popular titles to be made available. I appreciate the convenience of having these apps to borrow from the convenience of my home, especially during these times when we're not going out as much. These resources have brought me great joy, entertainment, and education. I still use in-library resources (minus these pandemic times), but the digital resources are also extremely valuable to me. Please find a way to bring them back!
Friday, August 13, 2021
This is a bummer, but honestly, it's very much understandable. I don't know much about Kanopy, but was constantly worried that the fees the library incurred from Hoopla would be devastating for other resources and thus tried to use it sparingly. I have been in absolute awe at the way FLP has jumped in to Overdrive/Libby in the past year and a half. It's been *exciting* to see what gets added each day. Seeing a day of kid's books and a day of books in other languages and a day of manga and a day of things I'm excited for, too, has left me rejoicing in how diverse our city is and how many different needs the libraries are serving! Thanks for all you do!
Friday, August 13, 2021
This is disappointing. I loveven hoopla. The service was great. Libby and Overdrive can be a long wait, and my library isn't open when I can go.
Sunday, August 15, 2021
Bad decision. Was any thought ever given to ASKING the patrons what they prefer? Apparently not given the backlash.
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
I have to confess to being one of the Free Library of Philadelphia users who signed up for both Hoopla and Kanopy but hadn't used them lately, although with a good excuse. Abington's own library added them eventually, and I have been using the services there. Still, I always had my Free Library of Philadelphia signons for them in case I exceeded the Abington limits. Now I'll just have to budget my Abington allotments more carefully (and I hope that Abington keeps Hoopla and Kanopy).
Sunday, August 29, 2021
Digital services should be growing in a pandemic, not cut.
Thursday, September 9, 2021
I don't understand how using Libby or Overdrive is a viable alternative when there are many books, especially audiobooks, and movies that are simply unavailable on those other platforms. And given how I'm just hearing about this now this was also poorly expressed to current users. Going back to dvds and paperbacks is a losing game in a time where not everyone can travel as safely as they did previously. The vast collection found on hoopla has been invaluable to me as a reader. I can easily say a number of my new favorite authors I wouldn't have found without the hoopla library especially those that are independently published. Due to my busy schedule and my neighborhood branch only being open during my work hours I don't have time to travel to the main branch to look for a book that I might be interested in or may have a wait list months long. At this point this decision is going to push people away from reading as opposed to getting them more interested in reading paperback.
Friday, September 10, 2021
Very disappointed. More money for Amaz... and the big companies. Bad move .
Thursday, October 28, 2021
Echoing all the others, this was very disappointing. I used Hoopla all the time. Libby and overdrive don't have as wide a selection. Plus there is the wait. There should have been a public announcement and an opportunity for the public to comment.
Thursday, November 11, 2021
I am very disappointed by this decision. Hoopla was my most utilized and valuable resource within the Free library system. I greatly hope that the Free Library reconsiders their decision.
Tuesday, December 14, 2021
This is disappointing! This was the only database from the library that I didn't have to wait to get books! And additionally, the hours at physical libraries are nearly impossible to use if you are working! Hope this changes soon or the library gets better operating hours (Saturday, Sunday or after 5pm every once and a while) and/or more physical or online materials!
Monday, January 3, 2022
Will there be any update when future budgets are being decided on whether the library will reconsider subscribing again to these services when the budget returns to normal? I really loved Kanopy, although I didn't get to use it as much as I wanted to due to being very busy. I tried to log in today at work (I'm a trauma therapist working with children in our city) to pull up a documentary film from which I wanted to share some clips with one of the young people I work with to help them have a less difficult time talking about something they've been struggling with, and I was really disappointed to see the service was discontinued. I really deeply feel with all of the teachers who have commented on here about their disappointment over how discontinuing these services will impact their classes and deprive the young people they work with of a valuable resource. I think those teachers' comments show how valuable these resources are in ways that might not be reflected in use statistics. I haven't used hoopla, but from reading comments people have posted on here, it also seems like a really valuable service. I know budgets were cut for every city service a year and a half ago (except, unfortunately, additional funding granted to the police at the expensive of other services), and that probably led to some really hard budgeting decisions, but I hope people's feedback in regard to these services will be considered during the library's next budgeting period and that community members will be communicated with about and involved in budgeting decisions. Also, I'm hoping city hall will redirect money where it is most needed and that, as we keep moving to organize in our communities, we will be able to put pressure on them to end things like luxury real estate tax abatements that drive gentrification and homelessness in our city and that money coming in from that will get redirected to our most needed services like housing, education, and medical care. But, hopefully, the library will get a little cut too. :-) Wishing everyone on here a safe 2022 and hopes that we will get these resources back one day.
Thursday, January 6, 2022
I'm very disappointed with this decision, especially since reading some updates on what hoopla will be adding this year. Also, the freading app is one of the worse I've ever downloaded, completely unusable. However, I understand why they did it. The pay as you go hoopla uses is not sustainable and difficult to budget for. Many libraries are dropping the service because of that. At $.99-$2.99 per book and an average of $1.19 per book it can add up quick. The only thing that upset me is I was still able to log in to access my reading list up until a couple days ago. I tried to log on and it said my user name didn't exist. I contacted hoopla and they said that libraries often request they purge users. I've been using hoopla since the beginning, so that's years of compiling a booklist down the drain. It's heartbreaking for a reader to lose their reading list. It's probably my fault and I should have printed it, but a little notice would have been nice. I'm more mad that they didn't inform us than them taking away the service.
Friday, January 7, 2022
The library by my house is closed down i don't drive so hoopla was all we had 😩
Saturday, February 12, 2022
Even though this is old news, I just want to express what a loss this is and how this is NOT helping people access more materials. To check out DVDs and films from a local branch, you have to have a television, DVD player, or computer with a CD drive - which many do not have! That is NOT making things more accessible for users. The kids content on Kanopy was excellent and didn't require borrows, how is this replaced by families having to trek to the library, obtain and maintain viewing machines, and worry about breaking and losing DVDs? We moved from another city a few years ago and we have honestly considered moving back because the Free Library seems to be 30 years behind. We cannot access near what we used to be able to in a much, much smaller city.
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
I had recently read that the Philadelphia Library included Kanopy and that it was available for all Pennsylvania residents. Sadly, that was an old article. I have been looking for a way to access Kanopy for years as it presents to people the best of World film and documentaries. Criterion/Janus was once good but they only offer a fraction of their library. What a shame that we all can not learn and be awestruck from the work of the world's most outstanding creative filmmakers. I wish there was another option for Kanopy, but there is not.
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Given the extremely high cost of Kanopy, I totally understand. Glad to know these funds will still be put towards providing content to city residents.
Tuesday, December 13, 2022
Good move! People can stream stuff from many, many different sources. Putting money towards physical library assets instead of streaming is a great idea.
Luckily, the library has a large collection of movies, TV, and music on physical media, and you can get anything else you want through Interlibrary Loan.
Saturday, September 23, 2023