Your Library Card Unlocks Thousands of Free Books, Movies, TV Shows and More

If you haven’t explored using Hoopla, Libby or Kanopy, you may be surprised at just how much free entertainment and educational content is available through your local library.

From bestselling eBooks and audiobooks to movies, television shows, documentaries, comics, and music, these apps can turn your library card into a digital media pass.

The Beaches Branch Library is helping local readers, movie lovers, and tech beginners discover the digital benefits of their library card with Mobile Library Mondays, happening March 2nd through May 25th, 2026 from 3–4 p.m.

During these sessions, you can learn how to use popular digital library services like Kanopy, Libby, and Hoopla. All you need to bring is your library card and the device you use most, whether that’s a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or e-reader.

Discover Free Entertainment with Libby

Libby is one of the most popular library apps available today, especially for readers and audiobook fans. Created by OverDrive, Libby allows users to borrow digital books and audiobooks directly from participating libraries. The app is clean, simple to use, and ideal for readers of all ages.

After downloading the Libby app from the App Store or Google Play, users can sign in by searching for their library and entering their library card number. Once logged in, they can browse thousands of titles, place holds on popular books, and borrow materials instantly.

One of Libby’s biggest benefits is convenience. Borrowed books automatically return themselves at the end of the lending period, meaning there are no late fees. Readers can customize text size, background colors, and font styles, while audiobook listeners can adjust playback speed and set sleep timers.

Libby is especially useful for busy readers who enjoy reading on the go. Whether you are relaxing at the beach, waiting at an appointment, or commuting to work, your next book is always available on your device.

Learn more or download Libby here: https://www.libbyapp.com/

Stream Movies and Documentaries With Kanopy

If you love movies, documentaries, or educational programming, Kanopy may quickly become your favorite library service. Kanopy provides free streaming access to thousands of films, including classic cinema, indie favorites, educational content, foreign films, and family-friendly programming.

Unlike many paid streaming services, Kanopy focuses heavily on thoughtful and high-quality content. Many users appreciate the app for its collection of documentaries, award-winning films, and educational series.

Getting started is simple. Download the Kanopy app or visit the Kanopy website, create an account using your email address, then connect your library card. Once your account is verified, you can begin streaming immediately on your phone, tablet, smart TV, or computer.

Kanopy also offers Kanopy Kids, a section dedicated to children’s programming with educational shows and story-based content that parents can feel good about.

Because content is borrowed through a ticket system or monthly allowance, users can explore movies without worrying about subscription costs piling up each month.

Learn more or start streaming here: https://www.kanopy.com/

Hoopla Brings a Little Bit of Everything

Hoopla is often described as the all-in-one digital library app because it offers ebooks, audiobooks, comics, music, movies, and television shows all in one place. For library users who enjoy exploring different types of media, Hoopla provides an impressive amount of variety.

After downloading the app, users simply create an account, select their library, and enter their library card information. Unlike some services that require waiting lists for popular titles, Hoopla often allows instant borrowing, making it a favorite among impatient readers and binge-watchers alike.

Comic book fans especially enjoy Hoopla because of its large graphic novel collection. Families also appreciate the children’s content, while music lovers can stream albums from multiple genres without paying for another subscription service.

Hoopla’s user-friendly layout makes it easy to browse by category, featured collections, or trending titles. Whether you want to watch a movie on movie night, listen to an audiobook while gardening, or borrow a cookbook before dinner, Hoopla offers something for nearly everyone.

Learn more or download Hoopla here: https://www.hoopladigital.com/

Your Library Card Unlocks More Than Books

Many people still think of libraries as buildings filled only with shelves of books, but today’s libraries offer much more. Digital services like Libby, Kanopy, and Hoopla give patrons access to entertainment and educational resources that would otherwise cost hundreds of dollars per year through separate subscriptions.

The Beaches Branch Library’s Mobile Library Mondays are a great opportunity for anyone who feels unsure about technology or simply wants to learn how to get more value from their library card. Staff members will walk participants through downloading the apps, signing in, and borrowing materials step by step.

Whether you are an avid reader, a movie buff, a parent looking for children’s content, or someone who enjoys discovering new hobbies, these free apps can open the door to thousands of digital resources right from your device.