04 Jan Is there an app for that?
Here, at the library, the answer is yes, we have an app for that. Whether you’re looking for a book, magazine, or graphic novel to read, music to listen to, or a movie to watch, we have everything you need to stay entertained. The library has a huge selection of apps that make up our digital collection, so you can enjoy your favorite types of media anywhere. Try these apps from the comfort of your own home, on your smartphone or tablet, or even through Bluetooth in your car. Read on to find out more.
Books
Reading is easy on-the-go and at home with these apps. You can read eBooks on your phone, tablet, or computer. You can also find audiobooks to listen to while you’re doing yardwork, working out at the gym, or just relaxing at home. Hoopla has a great selection of eBooks, audiobooks, comics, graphic novels, and more. OverDrive and Libby also offer eBooks and audiobooks. There is a special OverDrive page just for kids and teens. Freading offers over 50,000 eBook titles!
Magazines
If magazines are more your style, then we have you covered. Magazine subscriptions are costly, and storing them is not always easy. Now you can get your favorite magazines on your phone, tablet, or computer. OverDrive has over 50 magazines to choose from. RBDigital has a selection of 80 magazine titles, as well as many back issues. These full-color magazines look gorgeous on your computer or device. Catch up on your favorite subscriptions today.
Movies
There is always something interesting to watch when you have a library card. Kanopy is our newest app with over 30,000 titles to choose from. Kanopy works on mobile devices, Chromecast, Roku, and Apple TV, allowing you to stream classic and indie films, documentaries, The Great Courses, and PBS titles. Hoopla works with many mobile and streaming devices. It includes feature films and television shows.
Music
Whether you love listening to singles or entire albums, streaming music is easier than ever. Freegal is a great option for streaming music. Download songs and music videos easily, legally, and for free! Freegal allows you to stream up to 5 hours per day and download up to 5 songs per week. You can also create playlists that you can share with other library users! Full-length albums are available for streaming through Hoopla. There you’ll find a great collection of new releases, motion picture soundtracks, kids songs, music through the decades, and comedy!
For Kids
We know kids also love reading and watching, so we have a selection of apps just for your young ones. Tumblebooks is a favorite for parents and teachers. Visit the website or download the app and enjoy a variety of classic picture books and stories. These stories maintain the original illustrations with a bit of fun animation to keep children interested. OverDrive has created a separate page for kids and teens. You can access this special collection through the Digital Resources page on our website or through the OverDrive and Libby apps. In the OverDrive app, click the menu button and select Kids & Teens. In the Libby app, click Explore, and you can choose to view collections for kids, teens, or both. For movies and children’s shows, try Hoopla or Kanopy on your TV, streaming device, or mobile device. There’s so much to choose from!
Miscellaneous
These apps are just a sample of the many resources available for free with a library card. A free subscription to the New York Times and a subscription to the BrainHQ brain training program are just a few miscellaneous examples of the enormous benefits of your library card. Signing up for a library card is easy and painless. See an assistant at the front desk for more information.
Learn to use these apps and more by clicking the Tutorials link on the right side of our website. For one-on-one help with any of these resources, visit the library from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on the first Saturday of the month for our Digital Drop-In event, or visit plainfieldibrary.net/services/bookalibrarian to schedule a Book-A-Librarian appointment