Hoopla
It might come as a surprise to some people born deep in the throes of the digital age but there was a time when anyone could check out movies from their local library, and it actually worked. That general concept actually still exists but has since moved online via streaming services like hoopla. Users armed with their local library card can hop onto hoopla to “check out’’ certain selections (somewhere between five and 20 per month depending on your library) for free. Unlike other services, hoopla is actually free and doesn’t force you to compromise by sifting through annoying advertisements. Movies and TV shows can be borrowed for up to 72 hours and can even be downloaded locally for offline viewing, a rarity in the streaming age.
Hoopla’s inventory reportedly includes more than 6,000 movies and TV shows. While this slideshow focuses in on those two mediums, it’s worth noting hoopla also offers a wide range of e-books, and music as well.
Cost: Free with a public library card.
