Stream free movies, TV shows, music, and more using your library card.
Where can I watch free HD movies?
How do I stream movies and TV shows for free?
What is the best free streaming service?
With more time at home now than ever, you have probably exhausted your Netflix watchlist. Lucky for you, The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County offers several free online resources for both you and the kids. You can select a book from the digital library, listen to music, or stream movies and TV shows.
Kanopy
Kanopy is a video streaming service that prides itself on curating thoughtful entertainment. Movies, documentaries, foreign, independent, and educational films can be found in its collection. To sign up, simply follow the above link, click the “enter library card” button, and input your information.
Once signed up, you can watch up to 20 films per month completely free. The Social and Systematic Injustice section might be an excellent place to start watching Kanopy Social and Systematic Injustice section.
Hoopla
Hoopla has books, movies, audiobooks, and music to stream instantly. The service even has an app for iPhone and Android, so you can listen to your music and audiobooks on your phone while reading your book on your tablet!
The titles are always available, so you will not have to worry about holds. The app does have a checkout limit of 15 downloads per month and a daily limit for downloads which resets at 8:00 p.m.
Just create an account and enter your library card number when prompted to sign up. Be sure to check out the section called “Conversations on Race.”
Related Article: Make the switch from cable to streaming.
OverDrive (and Libby)
On OverDrive, you can rent ebooks, audiobooks, movies, magazines, and TV shows. You can download ebooks and audiobooks straight to your phone or tablet through its companion app, Libby. You can even send the ebooks to your Amazon Kindle app or device.
OverDrive allows up to 40 items to be checked out simultaneously, regardless of format. You simply click on the item you’d like to borrow, enter your library card and PIN, and you’re all set. The service has over 3,000 African American fiction titles to borrow, so support Black authors as you enjoy this service.
Rbdigital
Rbdigital offers audiobooks and eMagazines through its online service. A maximum of 20 audiobooks can be checked out at a time, and luckily, the content is always available, so you don’t need to place holds. Magazines have no checkout limit, so you can enjoy as many as you want. Rbdigital has an extensive African American interest audiobook section to check out.
Related Article: Kids’ movies and shows that are free to stream
Flipster Magazines
Flipster Magazines offers access to a variety of magazines. To sign up, click on the magazine you want to check out, enter your library card and PIN, and you will have instant access to the publication.
Freegal
Freegal is a free music streaming service offered through the library. It has music from top black artists like Doja Cat, Ciara, and Leon Bridges. You have unlimited streaming and up to 7 downloads per month for offline listening. To sign up, click the “log in” button and enter your library card and PIN and you’ll be ready to start streaming!
Related Article: TV shows with Black actors are now airing and streaming.
If you need a library card, go to the Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County websites and apply for free. These are just a few of the library’s many resources. You can use the free resources and look for more free library resources.
Written by: Trevon Mathews
The Voice of Black Cincinnati is a media company designed to educate, recognize and create opportunities for African Americans. Want to find local news, events, job posting, scholarships, and a database of local Black-owned businesses? Visit our homepage, explore other articles, subscribe to our newsletter, like our Facebook page, join our Facebook group, and text VOBC to 513-270-3880.
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