hooplaHoopla, the app-based digital library service that partners with U.S. local libraries, has added Chromecast support to its Android app. Android devices packing Hoopla can now, in principle, stream digital loans from your public library direct to your big screen – movies, comics, music, audiobooks, and even e-books.

“All you need is a library card from your local library,” confirms Hoopla. “Titles stream instantly, and are automatically returned at the end of the lending period. Your local public library must have an account set up with hoopla digital before you can use the hoopla app.”

The content selection supported by Hoopla definitely includes e-books. There’s no sign that these will be any harder to read through on the big screen via Chromecast than the multimedia content will be to watch or listen to. Since I’m outside the U.S., I don’t have a chance to check all the functionality on this platform, but it sounds like a match made in heaven for library users. Certainly, many app reviewers on the Google Play Store seem to think so. Many are especially pleased with the introduction of Chromecast support.

That said, since Chromecast also now supports screencasting from most current Android devices, anyone who could read Hoopla-loaned e-books on their device could probably read these on the big screen already. But it’s still good to see Hoopla try, and a further boost for digital library services.

NO COMMENTS

The TeleRead community values your civil and thoughtful comments. We use a cache, so expect a delay. Problems? E-mail newteleread@gmail.com.