Park Ridge cardholders can borrow Roku streaming sticks loaded with paid subscription services for free, the latest addition to the public library's growing collection of non-traditional lendable items.
The Park Ridge Public Library announced Wednesday, Aug. 5 that its Exploration Library includes Roku devices pre-loaded with Netflix, HBO Max, Paramount+ with Showtime and Disney+ with Hulu. An Apple TV stick with Apple TV+ content, including the first season of "Widow's Bay," is also available.
Each device comes with full access to its streaming service for the two-week borrowing period.
"Public libraries have always been a tremendous resource to anyone wanting to save money, and the addition of these Roku sticks with streaming service subscriptions at the ready is another great reason to have a library card," Library Director Joanna Bertucci, a Park Ridge native, said in the announcement.
How to borrow
The rules are simple. Patrons place a hold through the library's online catalog at parkridgelibrary.org. Checkouts last two weeks and cannot be renewed. Borrowers may take home up to two sticks at a time. Only Park Ridge cardholders ages 18 and up are eligible.
For questions, contact Patron Services at [email protected] or 847-825-3123, option 6.
What else is in the Exploration Library?
The streaming sticks join a collection the library describes as "try before you buy" gear. The Exploration Library page lists dozens of items available free with a card, including a Backyard Movie Bundle with a 17-foot inflatable screen, outdoor projector, Blu-Ray player and soundbar speaker packed in a folding wagon. Residents can also borrow a GoPro Hero 5, a karaoke machine with a built-in disco ball and 12-hour battery, an Orion Starblast telescope, a FLIR ONE Pro thermal camera, bocce ball sets, a Dash programmable robot, an Ozobot Evo, mobile hotspots, bike locks and even a knife sharpener.
The collection first appeared on the library's website on Aug. 21, 2023, and was updated Aug. 5 to reflect the Roku addition.
Upcoming at the library
The Friends of the Park Ridge Library host their Fall Book Sale Oct. 23–25 at 20 S. Prospect Ave.
