Toronto Public Library is thinking about offering a free-to-use, Netflix-like service
Nothing is finalized yet, but a spokesperson says that Toronto Public Library is in the process of negotiating a deal with Hoopla, a Netflix-like provider of streaming videos and music. If the service ends up working like it does in Edmonton, Guelph and other cities across Canada and the U.S., each library patron will be able to stream a certain number of titles per month (in Guelph and Edmonton, the limit is 10 per customer).
It’s unknown precisely when the service will launch here, but library staff tell BlogTO that an agreement with Hoopla is imminent. Even in a best-case scenario, though, library-provided streaming wouldn’t be a replacement for Netflix or other types of paid video services, because Hoopla’s selection is somewhat narrow. A quick browse through the service’s lineup of TV titles reveals that it’s heavy on National Geographic documentaries and BBC shows. The movie selection, meanwhile, seems to consist mainly of a million Jaws sequels and some halfway-decent titles from 10 to 20 years ago (Mallrats, anyone?). Hoopla also offers music and audiobooks.
But there’s no need to put off freeloading until the formal announcement is made. Toronto Public Library already offers other digital items, like downloadable magazines and ebooks.
![](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://torontolife.com/city/toronto-public-library-hoopla-netflix/&title=Toronto Public Library is thinking about offering a free-to-use, Netflix-like service&picture=https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/hoopla-netflix-toronto-public-library-624x395.jpg&description=[caption id="attachment_256999" align="alignnone" width="656"] (Image: Hoopladigital.com/Screenshot)[/caption]
Nothing is finalized yet, but a spokesperson says that Toronto Public Library is in the process of negotiating a deal with Hoopla, a Netflix-like provider of streaming videos and music. If the service ends up working like it does in Edmonton, Guelph and other cities across Canada and the U.S., each library patron will be able to stream a certain number of titles per month (in Guelph and Edmonton, the limit is 10 per customer).
It's unknown precisely when the service will launch here, but library staff tell BlogTO that an agreement with Hoopla is imminent. Even in a best-case scenario, though, library-provided streaming wouldn't be a replacement for Netflix or other types of paid video services, because Hoopla's selection is somewhat narrow. A quick browse through the service's lineup of TV titles reveals that it's heavy on National Geographic documentaries and BBC shows. The movie selection, meanwhile, seems to consist mainly of a million Jaws sequels and some halfway-decent titles from 10 to 20 years ago (Mallrats, anyone?). Hoopla also offers music and audiobooks.
But there's no need to put off freeloading until the formal announcement is made. Toronto Public Library already offers other digital items, like downloadable magazines and ebooks.){kind=link}
This is exciting. I already use the ebooks service from the library this would be a great addition.
Another reason to love this amazing library system :)
I’m relieved they didn’t choose a Canadian streaming provider for this.
Why is tax money being used for this? Taxpayer funded libraries are supposed to be for education and reading. It isnt like there aren’t millions of places to rent or stream movies from. I fail to see why my tax money need to be used to subsidize someone on welfare sitting at home in the afternoon and watching Liar Liar.
So we are funding our libraries to be hollywood movie distributors? We really have our priorities messed up if taxpayers are expected to pay for this.
AHHH, i see what you did there TORONTOLIFE. you show hollywood blockbusters and then write it is heavy toward docs. nice way to draw traffic to the site.