New Lenox Public Library launching new online database

The New Lenox Public Library is getting Hoopla, an online database with movies, TV shows, comics, graphic novels, eBooks and audiobooks starting Monday.

Hoopla has over 900,000 items for people to choose from with no wait. People can get up to four checkouts each month. More titles are added daily to the collection.

It will also be available for people to download on iOS and Android. From there, people only need to put in their library card information and can begin browsing. It can also be used on computers, tablets and on TV.

Titles can be streamed immediately or downloaded to phones or tablets for offline viewing later.

Also on Monday, the library will be reopening for browsing and computer use. the grab and go service will continue upon request. There will still be some limitations when it does open, though.

The library is still offering homebound services to New Lenox residents who do not want to leave their homes. And to make services more accessible for those with financial difficulties, the library will no longer be charging daily overdue fines starting Monday.

Right before the pandemic struck, the New Lenox Public Library had a referendum approved that will allow it to expand hours. Barring any major negative change to the pandemic, those increased hours could happen by the end of the summer or early fall.