Library launches 24/7 live-streaming

September 30, 2013 at 1:15p.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

The local public library will fully immerse its patrons in the electronic age around the clock beginning today.

Through a partnership with hoopla digital, Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County cardholders will have free, around-the-clock online and mobile access to thousands of movies, TV shows, audiobooks and music selections, library officials announced.

Cardholders may download, through their app store, the free hoopla digital mobile app on their Android or Apple IOS device or visit hoopladigital,com to borrow the materials from major Hollywood studios, record companies and publishers for instant live-streaming or temporary downloading to their smart phones, tablets and computers.

Hoopla is based in Holland, Ohio.

Cardholders may download up to six items per month.

The library system will pay hoopla on a per-download basis: 99 cents to $2.99 per movie; $1.99 per TV show and $1.49 to $1.99 per music selection. The money will come from the library system’s materials acquisition budget.

Loan periods for hoopla materials are: three days for movies and TV shows, seven days for music and 21 days for audiobooks.

“It’s digital, so there is no waiting period for popular titles, and hoopla’s automatic return means no late fees,” said Heidi Daniel, library system director.

“It is our mission to help public libraries meet the needs of the mobile generation,” said Jeff Jankowski, founder and owner of hoopla digital.