The Jacksonville Public Library is now offering library card holders a free streaming video service.
The library has contracted with Kanopy to offer more than 30,000 movies including documentaries, in what's being billed as "thoughtful entertainment."
Like with other streaming services such as WJCT’s Passport, users can download the Kanopy app to their smart TV, computer or mobile device.
Each library card holder is entitled to stream six free movies per month, according to Jacksonville Public Library spokeswoman Amanda Toman.
Another feature the library offers is called Kanopy Kids, which provides unlimited streaming for children.
“If the parent has a library card, they can set up a Kanopy account under kids and Kanopy For Kids is unlimited plays,” said Toman.
The children’s service includes science and math shows, adventure programming and traditional children’s TV shows.
For families with multiple teenagers or adults in the home, a separate library card is required for each streaming account, unlike some commercial services that allow multiple streams with the same account.
The third component of the library’s Kanopy service is called The Great Courses, which is a series of lifelong learning videos focused on the humanities and sciences, history, hobbies and skills.
“This is also unlimited plays with your library card,” said Toman.
Toman said the new streaming service will not affect the library’s DVD collection.
“Right now we don’t see any changes,” Toman said about the library’s DVD acquisitions.
The Kanopy app is available for most popular streaming platforms, including Apple TV, Android, Android TV, Chromecast, iOS for iPhones and iPads, Fire Tablet, FireTV, Roku and Samsung.
It also supports web browsers such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari.
To activate the service, library card holders will need to go to this webpage and enter in their library eCard number and password.
For those that don't have a library eCard, here's how to get one.
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org, 904-358-6349 or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.
