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Oxford County Library partners with hoopla digital, a platform for streaming and downloading music, movies and books

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Think Netflix, but with books, music and magazines joining all those movies.

No more waiting for that awesome, new book to be free at the library.

The Oxford County Library announced this week that it would partner with hoopla digital, a platform that allows users to download and stream the newest blockbuster hit, Taylor Swift album or popular audiobook.

“The really good thing about hoopla digital is that you can borrow items and never worry about returning them – or late fees – ever again,” said Jeff Jankowski, owner and founder of hoopla digital.

“In Oxford County, you’re allowed four items a month, and these items can be streamed or downloaded during the loan period and then they automatically return from your device. Even if you download the content, it will automatically wipe clean.”

It’s the best of both worlds – no waiting for an item on hold and no surprise fees after forgetting to return your last stack of books.

“Our mobile users are looking for good, digital content from the library, and they’re tired of the wait lists that we have for our eBooks. This is a service that allows them to get instantaneous access on their computers or mobile devices,” said Lisa Miettinen, CEO of the Oxford County Library.

But don’t worry, the content isn’t just last year’s hit songs or movies that bomb at the box office.

“70% of what’s on the top 40 list is available on hoopla the same day that iTunes has it,” said Jankowski.

Those with an Oxford County library card will still be able to use the library’s other digital services, too. There’s Zinio for digital magazines and Freegal for music.

“It’s just another choice for people for digital content,” Miettinen said.

For those who haven’t used any of the library’s digital platforms before, Jankowski wants to make sure they understand how to get the most out of hoopla.

“There’s downloading and streaming options. So if you have internet connectivity and you’re not going to have it (later), or you’re going on a trip, you can actually download a movie or a 10-hour audiobook and listen to it offline,” Jankowski said.

“I think that’s really distinctive.”

megan.stacey@sunmedia.ca 

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