This article is written by Lorne Chase, marketing and communications coordinator at Newmarket Public Library. Click here to find out more about the library and its events and programs.
Film buffs, it’s time to celebrate: Kanopy is here!
Newmarket Public Library is adding the streaming service Kanopy to its online library, providing library members with a movie collection of 30,000 films that not only entertain but educate, enlighten and inspire. Kanopy is the largest film database for libraries in the world, with more than 60 per cent of content exclusive to the service. Every month, approximately 300 to 500 new films are added to the database, so there is always something new to discover.
“This is a wonderful resource that we are pleased to offer the residents of Newmarket,” Jennifer Leveridge, the library’s Head of Adult Services, said. “It’s a collection with incredible depth and diversity that will undoubtedly provide something for everyone.”
And what a treasure trove of viewing options there are. Kanopy goes where other online movie streaming services don’t — beyond the multiplex hits. This is where approximately 9,000 popular independent films and festival favourites can be seen, including The Lobster, Café Society, Brooklyn, Call Me By Your Name and Hearts Beat Loud, as well as more than 2,000 foreign films in 180 languages.
Cinephiles who want to see those foreign classics they have only heard about can rejoice. This is where they’ll find Breathless, L’Avventura, Rashomon, La Strada, Seven Samurai, Bicycle Thieves, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, and many more. And Canadian cinema is also part of the collection, highlighting classic and new films from right here at home, including Roadkill, Maudie, Dead Ringers, Hockey Night, Wilby Wonderful and Café de Flore.
In addition to narrative films, Kanopy provides more than 15,000 documentaries on a wide number of topics and has a section set aside specifically for Canadian documentaries. There are also more than 5,000 videos in global studies and languages, from English as a second language to Indigenous studies.
For the younger viewers in the family, Kanopy Kids has educational and entertaining children’s programming, with films for both toddlers and older kids. There are TV series, PBS shows and educational videos on learning different languages, math, science, nature and nutrition. Kanopy Kids is a growing part of the collection and will be adding more content in the future.
With Kanopy, there is bound to be something that will appeal to everyone. Library members can stream up to five films a month free on a computer, smart TV or mobile device. All you need is a library card and you can start streaming now through the online library here under eVideos, Kanopy. Here’s hoping you find that hidden gem that will become a personal favourite.
