(Rock Island, IL:) DVDs have long been available at most local libraries, but now there's a new way to get movies from the Rock Island Public Library. The library has added access to streaming movies and television content via the Freegal Movies and Television Service. Freegal is a service of the Library Ideas network of websites for public libraries.
The Freegal Movies and Television Service joins Rock Island Library's already popular Freegal Music service, added last summer. As a new feature, Freegal Music now allows users to stream up to three hours of music a day without downloading. Users can create a playlist on the website or the free app. Music videos are also available.
Rock Island Library Reference and Adult Services director Natalie Struecker notes that library patrons enthusiastically responded to Freegal Music when the library introduced it last May. "We see anywhere from 300 to 500 song downloads in an average month,' she said. "We think Freegal Movies will also be incredibly popular. We are very excited to offer a service like this that delivers great content, compatibility with lots of devices and simplicity of use," she said.
The Freegal Movies and Television Service will allow Rock Island Public Library to offer library patrons access to thousands of video selections from major content suppliers from the convenience of their personal computer or portable device."Freegal Music and Freegal Movies are just two of the ways we're meeting the needs of the digital age," she added.
Under the terms of the agreement with Library Ideas, Rock Island Library cardholders can stream three videos per week from the Freegal Movies and Television Service at no direct cost via www.rockislandlibrary.org. The library will underwrite the use of the content. Popular selections at launch include "The Dish" and "Local Hero" from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment; and "Beyonce?I Am....World Tour" from Sony Music Entertainment.
"We are very pleased to partner with libraries to offer great online video content," said Brian Downing, CEO of Library Ideas. "Libraries continue to lead the way in bringing the arts and entertainment to their communities."
The Freegal Movies and Television site streams content, meaning it is viewed through an Internet browser or via the Freegal Movies app, versus being downloaded. Patrons can stream three movies or TV shows per week. Each movie or TV episode may be watched as many times as desired for two days. After two days, the movie or TV show is no longer available to view. To log on to the Freegal Movies and Television Service, patrons will need their library card and PIN.
Content on the site is subject to change. Individual titles may disappear for a time or be replaced entirely with new content. The Freegal Movies site suggests users check back often for new content.
30 libraries have signed up for the Freegal Movies and Television Service, including the Orange County Library System (FL), The Kent District Public Library (MI), The Mid-Continent Public Library System (MO), The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County (OH) and The Salt Lake County Public Library System (UT).
The Freegal Movies and Television Service ofers free mobile apps for registered cardholders of subscribing libraries. The Freegal Movies and Television apps are available in the Apple® App Store and Google Play®.
For more library news, services and events, visit the Rock Island Library's online branch at www.rockislandlibrary.org, follow Rock Island Library on Facebook or call 309-732-7323 (7323.)
Founded in 1872, the Rock Island Public Library serves the area through three locations, which include the Main, 30/31 and Southwest Branches, community outreach efforts, and online opportunities that provide resources to enhance personal achievement and stimulate the imagination.
About Library Ideas: Library Ideas is a global leader in providing digital content to all kinds of libraries, and is located in Vienna, Virginia. The Company offers online music, movie, eBook and language learning solutions to libraries as part of its developing product suite. Library Ideas was named "One of the Top 100 Companies in the Digital Content Industry for 2011-12" by EContent Magazine. For further information please email info@libraryideas.com or briand@libraryideas.com.
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