Entertainment, as with other expenses, has inflated in price. Over the past six years, Netflix has bumped its prices by $7. Disney+, in just its fourth year, is 40% more expensive than when it launched. Many streaming services have ad-supported plans, but they come with limited simultaneous screens, poorer visual quality, and lock originals behind ad-free tiers. Audiobook services, such as Kindle, face similar price hikes, and the subscription is only an entry fee as titles need to be purchased separately.
Historically, libraries have offered Americans free and accessible entertainment. Even today, your local branch will have complete seasons of Prime and HBO originals on DVD. Consumers, however, have been gravitating to digital means, with many lacking a DVD player or even a TV. Convenience is the name of the game, and libraries, with late fees, limited rental periods, and process of picking up items, have deterred many away from its offerings. Recently, the Tillamook County Library system has evolved to keep pace in the digital age and remove barriers to expand access.
The big change has been embracing streaming within the Hoopla app. A free download that just requires your library card number, Tillamook County residents can enjoy up to 20 titles per month, all completely free. Hoopla is available on both app stores and Amazon Firesticks. The catch is that a “title” will refer to any audiobook, graphic novel volume, film, a single episode of TV; so not everything is equal value. Like libraries, Hoopla does have a time limit, ranging from two to twenty days depending on the form of media. Still, this is not made up of obscure titles. Many high-profile authors, bestsellers, Marvel/DC comics, and notable films are available here.
If you’re still willing to rent physical media, many hindrances have been removed for accessibility. Late fees aren’t charged; at worst you’ll just get a phone call reminder after a month or so. Titles may be reserved on the library webpage by simply typing the name of the work or author in the search bar. The scope of the library’s collection is not to be understated. There are as many manga titles as a Barnes and Noble store and the latest bestsellers are added almost immediately upon release.
The library is still a vital resource for entertainment and a good way to cut back on non-necessities when dealing with a tight budget. Through it, I’m able to save hundreds of dollars and space in my apartment because I don’t need to buy everything. If you are like a lot of us, trying to cut back on expenses, look no further than your local library branch.
Guest Author: Andy Jenck, Local movie reviewer
Other wellness questions? Email us at info@tillamookcountywellness.org. For more local health and wellness information, visit www.tillamookcountywellness.org or follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook and Instagram.