A new digital streaming service, Kanopy, is set to launch on December 2, 2024, offering Wickson Library patrons free access to a wide range of films. Signing up is quick and easy and only requires a library card number and a valid email address to get started. In less than a minute, you'll be ready to explore over 30,000 films on Kanopy.
Kanopy offers a wide range of movies, from thought-provoking documentaries to captivating dramas, all designed to engage viewers on a deeper level. According to Kanopy’s website, "The films that truly resonate with us do more than just entertain. They inspire us, enrich us, and challenge our perspectives." By partnering with public libraries and universities, Kanopy makes these films accessible to everyone without any fees or ads. New titles are added each month, ensuring there’s always something fresh to discover.
To get started, visit Wickson’s Kanopy platform at wicksonlibrary.kanopy.com, and log in with your library card credentials. Once signed up, you’ll have access to 25 digital tickets each month to watch movies on the platform. Each film costs two tickets, and once selected, it’s available for a 72-hour access period. Your "Continue Watching" list tracks the films you’ve selected and how much time is left in your access period.
The Kanopy app is available for download on your smart phone or tablet. This digital streaming service is also accessible online at the library’s website or at kanopy.com, and of course, Kanopy is available for streaming on your TV, making it easy to watch your favorite films on the go, or snuggle up for a cozy movie night in the comfort of your own home.
For families, especially those with younger children, Kanopy offers a dedicated selection called “Kanopy Kids.” The best part is that “Kanopy Kids” titles don’t require any tickets, so patrons can access an unlimited number of kid-friendly movies at no extra cost. This is a great feature for parents and grandparents looking for educational or entertaining films for their little ones.
In addition to films, Kanopy provides several other engaging resources. One of the most popular of these resources is “The Film Library,” a podcast hosted by Alonso Duralde and Daniel Thompson. Each episode features interviews with film industry experts, giving listeners an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at filmmaking. Again, like “Kanopy Kids,” the podcast doesn’t require any tickets, making it freely available to all Kanopy users.
Another fun feature of Kanopy is the “Big Movie Watch,” a semi-annual event that invites patrons to watch and discuss a selected film together. These discussions take place on Kanopy’s nationwide film discussion board, offering an interactive experience for film lovers. The “Big Movie Watch” typically occurs in February and September, bringing together people from all over the country for a shared cinematic experience.
With such a wide variety of films available, it can be hard to know where to begin streaming. For those in the holiday spirit, Kanopy offers a “Home Viewing for the Holidays” section, perfect for festive films. Personally, I’m diving into A Christmas Carol: The Musical, which is at the top of my list for the holiday season. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic holiday tale or an indie gem, Kanopy is sure to enrich and inspire all year long. Happy viewing, and happy reading!
