Margaret E. Heggan Public Library patrons now have access to the library collection, even when the library is closed.
Margaret E. Heggan Public Library patrons now have access to the library collection, even when the library is closed.
A new service from a digital access provider, hoopla digital, allows cardholders to select from 300,000 movies, music, electronic books (or eBooks) to borrow using tablets, computers and smartphones.
The most popular items will be available via hoopla.
All you have to do is log onto the hoopla page via the library's website at www.hegganlibrary.org, and enter in your email address attached to your library card with Margaret E. Heggan Public library.
Library heads aren't concerned the visits per month will decline, or membership will drop below yearly averages, because of the hoopla service. They said it expands what the library currently offers.
"The books at the library are still popular, but I think we are reaching a different type of audience," library director Sheila Mikkelson said.
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Young adults, parents on the go, or middle aged residents with little time to stop in the library to rent a book, movie or music, are more likely to register at the library and gain access to hoopla, she said.
The library currently has an ebook provider, OverDrive, which will remain available. Mikkelson said it's a similar service, but cardholders don't have access to movies, only electronic books and audio books.
The company's chief brand officer, Michael Manon described hoopla as a Netflix-like service, an on-demand movies service that gives viewers access to movies or television shows from any logged in device. Instead, it's geared toward allowing libraries to keep up with modern times.
"We complement their digital collection," he said, adding that the partnership with the Washington Township library "enables the library to immediately offer (content)" to its patrons.
Cardholders don't have to wait in line to borrow a book, or pay a fee if the item is late or damaged.
Items are automatically returned once time has expired.
Library cardholders can borrow any book for 21 days, movies or videos for three days, and music for 7 days.
More information on how to use the service can be found on the library's website, www.hegganlibrary.org.
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