The Briggs Lawrence County Public Library will be introducing a new library lending service, starting May 1, called hoopla.

Using the library system’s website, www.briggslibrary.com, cardholders can set up their personal account and can borrow from a selection of thousands of videos and music albums right from a smartphone, tablet or web browser.

They will also have access to ebooks, audiobooks, comics and graphic novels.

Library officials described the new service as “revolutionary” and said it is easy to use. It will be available to Briggs Library patrons using web browsers or Apple devices.

The program hoopla allows patrons to use their library account to electronically borrow movies, TV episodes and music albums and access them from any compatible device.

Using cloud computing, patrons can borrow up to six titles a month using a home computer, begin watching on a tablet, and resume using a smartphone.

Patrons will have easy access to hoopladigital.com with their library card number and pin number.  Patrons can verify their pin by contacting any Briggs Library location.  The only restriction for using this service is in the event the patron has lost or missing items on their library account.

Unlike other streaming audio and video services, patrons do not pay a monthly subscription fee making hoopla the first app of its kind.

“Patrons will enjoy access to over 300,000 titles including ebooks, audiobooks, videos and music albums,” Joe Jenkins, the library’s executive director, said. “Simply find a title, click ‘Borrow,’ and watch or listen wherever you are. When the lending period expires, titles are automatically removed from your device’s library, meaning there are no late fees for using this service.”

Jenkins said, over the first six months, patrons will be limited to six downloads per month to any account, which will give the library a chance to evaluate usage.

Those interested can visit the library’s website at www.briggslibrary.com or contact a local Briggs Library branch for details.