MADISON COUNTY – It’s not your father’s library any more.

Kanopy is Huntsville-Madison County Public Library’s newest addition to a 24/7 digital library. Patrons can use this video-streaming platform to view thousands of classics, independent films, educational videos, foreign films, documentaries and box-office hits. The only requirement is a library card.

Anyone can stream on favorite devices, anytime, anywhere — television, mobile phone, tablet and online. A person can check out up to five titles per month with an additional allowance for two Great Courses and unlimited access to Kanopy Kids. Kanopy Kids is a collection of movies and shows for children available only in public libraries.

Library staff members stream thoughtful entertainment to preferred devices with no fees and no commercials by partnering with public libraries and universities. Any viewer will discover remarkable and enriching films on Kanopy.

An individual only needs to log in with library membership and enjoy the library’s diverse catalog. The library adds new titles every month.

Kanopy developers believe in the power of film to bridge cultural boundaries and bring people together. Watching newsworthy series can expand a person’s worldview.

Just as a library buys books to add to their collection for you to borrow, a library offers a variety of digital resources, too. Kanopy is one of their more popular digital resources. Kanopy does not charge because the library covers all associated costs, allowing free viewing with no ads.

Kanopy is only available through libraries. Individuals must be a member of a participating library to start watching Kanopy. You can start watching by signing up with a valid public library card number and PIN/password.

Individuals use play credits to play videos on Kanopy. A person will receive five play credits per month from Huntsville – Madison County Public Library. Each video will use one play credit each (except for the unlimited Kanopy Kids).

After pressing “Play,” the video will be available for three days with unlimited viewing. On the first day of the month, Kanopy resets play credits to five for an individual to use.