Cord cutters have another reason to celebrate as Hoopla Digital has announced the launch of three new BingePasses in partnership with PBS Distribution. These new additions give library cardholders unlimited, ad-free access to a collection of award-winning PBS content for seven days with a single borrow—offering an accessible and cost-free way to stream some of public television’s most iconic programming.
A New Way to Stream PBS for Free
Hoopla Digital, a leading all-in-one digital media platform for public libraries, has continued to expand its offerings by introducing three new BingePasses featuring PBS content. This update significantly enhances Hoopla’s library, which already includes nearly 500 PBS movies and TV series, as well as existing SeasonPasses such as The Forsyte Saga, Finding Your Roots, Making Stuff, and Art21: Art in the Twenty-First Century.
With these latest additions, users can now stream legendary documentaries, classic cooking shows, and beloved children’s programming without ads or subscription fees—just a valid library card from a participating institution.
What’s Included in the New PBS BingePasses?
- The Ken Burns Collection – Renowned for his compelling historical documentaries, Ken Burns has spent over four decades crafting some of the most celebrated non-fiction films in television history. This BingePass grants unlimited access to The Civil War, Jazz, National Parks, and many more, allowing viewers to explore the pivotal moments and figures that shaped history.
- The French Chef – Fans of Julia Child can enjoy 84 episodes of the groundbreaking cooking series The French Chef, where Child introduced American audiences to authentic French cuisine with her signature charm and expertise. This timeless program continues to inspire home chefs and food enthusiasts alike.
- PBS KIDS – Designed for young learners aged 2-8, PBS KIDS provides an educational and entertaining experience with beloved series like Arthur, Wild Kratts, Super Why!, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Nature Cat, and Pinkalicious & Peterrific. This BingePass offers a safe and engaging way to introduce children to learning through media.
How to Access the PBS BingePasses
Hoopla’s BingePass program is a unique innovation that allows patrons of participating libraries to enjoy unlimited access to premium content for seven days using just one borrow. The platform is available on the web, Roku devices, and the Hoopla mobile app, with all content provided ad-free.
Jeff Jankowski, founder of Hoopla Digital, emphasized the company’s commitment to enhancing digital library experiences, stating, “Our goal will always be to provide libraries with fresh and diverse digital experiences to better serve their patrons and communities. The addition of these three BingePasses today with PBS Distribution perfectly aligns with that mission.”
Jamie Shata, Senior Manager of Global Sales at PBS Distribution, echoed this enthusiasm: “We are excited to expand PBS Distribution’s partnership with Hoopla by creating a new way for library card holders to easily stream these popular series that appeal to generations of PBS fans.”
A Growing Library of Free Digital Content
These new PBS BingePasses are among more than 50 available through Hoopla, which continues to provide library patrons with access to a broad range of content, including magazines, eBooks, movies, TV series, and educational materials. With nearly 10,000 participating public libraries across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand—including Chicago Public Library, San Francisco Public Library, and Los Angeles Public Library—Hoopla is making it easier than ever for users to enjoy high-quality entertainment and educational content without the cost of a subscription.
For those looking to explore the new PBS BingePasses or other Hoopla offerings, simply download the free Hoopla mobile app on Android or iOS, or visit hoopladigital.com.