Kemper-Newton Regional Library System goes digital

Published 4:03 am Thursday, June 2, 2016

The Kemper-Newton Regional Library System has announced public availability of thousands of movies, television shows, music albums, eBooks, audiobooks, and comics all available for mobile and online access through a new partnership with hoopla digital.

Beginning Friday, Kemper and Newton County card holders will be able to download the free hoopla digital mobile app on their Android or IOS device or visit hoopladigital.com to begin enjoying thousands of titles – from major Hollywood studios, record companies and publishers – available to borrow 24/7, for instant streaming or temporary downloading to their smartphones, tablets and computers.

Kemper-Newton Regional Library System staff is looking forward to bringing 21st century services to the area, said Meredith Wickham, the system’s director. 

“We’re so excited to be able to offer our library cardholders free and easy to use digital access to premium content,” Wickham said. “By partnering with hoopla digital, our patrons now have access to a half-million additional educational and popular titles which they can stream or download 24/7, from the convenience of their own homes, without having to worry about waiting periods or overdue fines ever again.

“Library services are constantly being updated to meet the needs of modern library patrons, and this next step forward is going to be absolutely transformative for us all,” she said. 

Kemper-Newton Regional Library System is the third library system in the state to partner with hoopla. Other partners include First Regional Library and The Library of Hattiesburg, Petal and Forrest County.

“With hoopla digital, it is our mission to empower the evolution of public libraries while helping them to meet the needs of the mobile generation,” said Jeff Jankowski, founder and owner of hoopla digital. “We’ve worked for years to create a best-in-breed service that is fun, fast, and reliable. 

“And we continue to secure content deals to expand our offering of popular and niche movies, TV shows, music, eBooks, audiobooks and comics.”

There are many benefits to having a library card, Wickham said.  

“If you have a library card, you can go to our website and check your account, and if you have a book out that needs to be renewed, you can renew online with the press of a button,” Wickham said. “You can find all the library locations, library hours, upcoming events, as well as an interactive calendar you can click on for more details.

“You can actually log in and search for a certain DVD you might be looking for, if your local library doesn’t have it,” Wickham added. “If a library has it, you can click on it and it will place a hold on it for you. You will then be notified by email or a phone call that you can pick up at your local library.

“Libraries as a whole are adjusting by making sure we offer everything our patrons need, and it is exciting for us, she said.”

For more information about how to use your library card to access hoopla today, call Kemper-Newton Regional Library System Headquarters at 601-774-9297 and ask a librarian for assistance. The system has locations in Union, Scooba, Newton, DeKalb and Decatur.