Are you looking to access a treasure trove of digital content without breaking the bank? The Rockford Public Library (RPL) is here to help you save money and enjoy a world of entertainment and knowledge with your library card. Let’s dive into the wealth of free digital services available to RPL cardholders.
Free Digital Services
A Rockford Public Library unlocks many free digital services that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home. You can stream movies, download music and more without taking a trip to your local library branch!
Free Movie Streaming
Hoopla and Kanopy are fantastic additions to the Rockford Public Library’s digital services, providing RPL cardholders with an extensive collection of movies and TV shows to stream at their leisure.
Hoopla is a game-changer, offering immediate access to a diverse array of media, from the latest blockbusters to timeless classics. With Hoopla, there are no long waits or late fees to worry about. You can watch your chosen titles on your computer, tablet, smartphone, or even your TV, making it incredibly convenient for both solo viewing and family movie nights.
Meanwhile, Kanopy elevates your cinematic experience with a curated selection of over 30,000 films. This platform specializes in award-winning documentaries, rare gems, indie masterpieces, and global cinema, catering to a wide range of tastes. Whether you’re a film enthusiast or simply looking for thought-provoking content, Kanopy’s offerings are sure to keep you entertained.
Free Music Streaming
For music lovers, Rockford Public Library offers not one but two options to explore the world of tunes without spending a dime.
Freegal, with its collection of nearly 7 million songs, provides a legal and cost-free way to access music. You can discover the latest hits, delve into retrospective classics, and explore a wide range of genres from around the globe—all with your RPL library card. It’s a fantastic resource for anyone wanting to expand their musical horizons.
Additionally, Hoopla extends its offerings to music streaming, providing another avenue to enjoy your favorite songs. Whether you’re creating a playlist for your daily commute or setting the mood for a special occasion, Hoopla ensures you have the soundtrack you need. With these digital music services, the library isn’t just a place for books; it’s a stage for musical exploration.
Free Audiobooks, eBooks, Magazines and More
Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! Rockford Public Library has made it easier than ever to access engaging narratives.
With cloudLibrary, you can seamlessly download bestselling audiobooks, eliminating the need for physical copies and late fees. It’s the perfect companion for those who enjoy a good story while multitasking or on the go.
For younger readers, the TumbleBook Library offers a curated collection of animated picture books and educational materials designed for kids in grades three to six. It’s a fun and interactive way to instill a love of reading in tech-savvy youngsters.
Additionally, Flipster provides a digital magazine experience, allowing you to explore a wide range of publications from the comfort of your device. Whether you’re interested in current affairs, lifestyle, or specialized interests, Flipster has something for everyone.
Plus, Hoopla rounds out the audiobook selection, ensuring there’s no shortage of captivating narratives to enjoy. These digital resources transform your reading and listening experience, making it more convenient and enjoyable than ever before.
Borrow & Use Free Tech
The Rockford Public Library goes beyond books and media with some incredible tech offerings. If you’re looking for free stuff from your public library, you’ll be thrilled to know that you can borrow laptops, WiFi hotspots and more from the RPL system!
Borrow a Laptop & Hotspot
Adults aged 18 and up can borrow Google Chromebook laptops and Mobile Wi-Fi Hot Spots from RPL. Whether you’re an adult student, an entrepreneur, or working on a project, these devices are available for checkout at various library locations.
Most Chromebooks can be loaned for up to 90 days, which means you can keep it for up to three months! Some of the devices are only available for up to seven days at a time, though.
If you need internet access, you can pick up a Wi-Fi hot spot from the Rockford Public Library as well. These devices can be kept for up to three weeks.
Try New Tech in the Makerspace
The Maker Lab at RPL is a hub of creativity and innovation. From 3D printing to laser cutting, embroidery to T-shirt pressing, this space is perfect for those looking to develop new skills or work on exciting projects.
Before you can start trying the new technology, you have to attend a one-hour introductory session to learn how to use the equipment. You’ll need to schedule your session in advance by calling or emailing the library. However, once you’ve completed that session, you can come back and use the tools any time the Maker Space is open.
Here are some of the tools availalbe in the Maker Space:
- 3D Printers (MeCreator 2 and MakerBot): With these 3D printers, you have the power to design and produce real items, including prototypes, using cutting-edge 3D printing technology.
- Cricut Maker: This machine is designed for cutting materials such as paper, cardstock, vinyl, or fabric, making it suitable for a variety of projects. You can also unleash your creativity by creating and designing your own projects online using the user-friendly Cricut Design Space.
- Embroidery Machine: This machine simplifies the process of embellishing fabric with 160 built-in embroidery designs and six fonts, making it an excellent choice for adding decorative touches to textiles.
- Laser Cutter: The laser cutter is a precision tool that allows you to etch, carve, or cut materials with remarkable accuracy, including curved and round items.
- Sewing Machines: Featuring a range of multi-stitch functions, including utility, decorative, and stretch stitches, as well as a one-step buttonhole feature, these sewing machines offer versatility for various sewing projects. You can also adjust the stitch width and length as needed.
- T-shirt Press: The manual clamshell heat press can reach temperatures of up to 500°F, making it perfect for transferring images (up to 14″x14″) onto a wide range of materials, such as cotton and polyester garments, canvas bags, mouse mats, ceramic tiles, T-shirts, shirts, and sweatpants. This machine opens up opportunities for custom design and personalization on fabric and other surfaces.
Other Services
In addition to these digital and tech services, Rockford Public Library offers even more helpful programs and services for local residents.
Graduate High School Online
Are you an adult looking to earn your high school diploma from the comfort of your own home? The Rockford Public Library offers you the opportunity to achieve this milestone through the Adult Online High School program, provided in partnership with the library. This initiative is a fantastic chance for individuals who may have faced obstacles in their educational journey or wish to complete their high school education at their own pace. Best of all, it’s entirely free.
The program is designed to accommodate the needs of adult learners, offering a flexible and supportive environment for achieving academic success. Whether you have work commitments, family responsibilities, or other reasons for pursuing your diploma as an adult, the Adult Online High School program can help you reach your educational goals. It’s a testament to the Rockford Public Library’s commitment to empowering its patrons with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Wireless Printing from Home
In today’s digital age, the convenience of wireless printing can be a game-changer, and the Rockford Public Library brings this convenience right to your home. Thanks to this service, you can easily print documents from anywhere so that they are ready when you arrive to pick them up.
To make use of this service, all you need to do is upload your documents to the library’s wireless printing service. Whether it’s an important report, a school assignment, or any other printing need, you can have it done hassle-free.
Relief Recap
In conclusion, the Rockford Public Library is not just a repository of books; it’s a dynamic hub of resources and services that cater to the diverse needs and interests of its patrons. From offering a vast array of free digital services, including movie streaming, music downloads, and audiobooks, to providing access to cutting-edge technology like 3D printers and laser cutters through the Maker Lab, the library empowers its community members with opportunities for growth, learning, and entertainment.
Low Income Relief Team
This article is the product of a team effort! Multiple authors from the Low Income Relief team have contributed to this post. We have also used AI tools to organize data and refine the writing in accordance with our Responsible AI Use Policy. All articles on our website are reviewed by our founder and resident poverty expert, Nicole Thelin, prior to publication.