By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer
The Cuyahoga County Public Library System (CCPL) launched a new program on May 13, offering two new streaming media services. The program now adds the ability for patrons to stream movies and music on their computers, smart phones or tablets, through Hoopla Digital streaming music and OverDrive streaming video. These services are good on any device with a web-based browser with an internet connection. The new service enriches the current technological offerings of e-books and e-magazines, which are popular downloads. “This is the ultimate as far as customer convenience,” said CCPL Marketing and Communications Director Hallie Rich. “Now you can read it, watch it or listen to it.” She noted that they will be continually adding to the collection as time goes on.
With Hoopla Digital Streaming Music, users can enjoy a large offering of major label digital music albums. Users can instantly stream the music, or temporarily download it to their device and listen to the music as many times as they wish during the one-week lending period. The automatic return feature on Hoopla eliminates the possibility of late fees and there are no waiting lists, as the music has unlimited access. Patrons can check out up to 15 albums per month for a total of 50 items on loan at any given time. A valid CCPL card account and an email address are required to access Hoopla Digital streaming music. For registration information, please visit https://www.hoopladigital.com/register. In the two weeks since the May 13 launch day, over 1800 music downloads took place.
The OverDrive Streaming Video, users can watch streaming movies without having to download files or install software. The instant access technology allows users to borrow videos and start watching immediately. Access to the CCPL catalog of videos is quick and easy, and there is a selection of major Hollywood studio movies and television shows to choose from, very similar to that offered on the Starz channel, according to Rich. There are several copies of each offering. If there is a waiting list, patrons can easily place a hold on the video and an email will be sent upon availability. Once the email is received, the patron will have a number of days to access the video. If the patron already has the OverDrive app on their device for e-books, there is no need to download another app. The available videos are listed and the patron can download them the same way as they would an e-book. A valid CCPL card account is also required to access streaming movies through OverDrive. For more information about this service, visit help.overdrive.com.
For those new to the CCPL, you can also register for a library card online. Just go to the CCPL website at cuyahogalibrary.org, click on services, then on apply online. To browse the digital collection of streaming video, music, eBooks and eMagazines, visit cuyahogalibrary.org/Borrow/Digital-Collection.aspx.