Blog

Did you know that you can check out a Roku from the library?

Here at DPPL, we have two circulating Rokus available to patrons for a two week checkout with their Des Plaines Public Library card. 

For those of you who don't know, Rokus are streaming devices that get data via a wired or Wi-Fi connection to an Internet router.

They connect to your T.V. or other video displaying device via an audio cable, video cable, or HDMI cable so that you can watch content from apps such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO NOW, or any other free or paid services available.

My Roku allows me to watch whatever show I want at any time of day. 

If I want to Keep up with the Kardashians, I can. If I want to get recaps of my favorite sporting event, I can.

If I want to stay home and watch three movies in a day, I can (and I have)!

Here at DPPL, we have two circulating Rokus available to patrons for a two week checkout with their Des Plaines Public Library card.

Each Roku has Vudu (an app preloaded with streaming movies from the library), Netflix, Youtube, Pandora, PBS, PBS Kids, The Smithsonian Channel, Fox News, CBS News, NBC News, Sky News, Weather Underground, Crackle, Vevo, The Disney Channel, All Fitness, Allrecipes, and CNET.

This leaves you with access to over 100 shows and movies.

If you need help finding something to watch, here are some of my favorites streaming on Netflix right now.

Come to the Reader's Services Desk on the third floor and check out your Roku today!

Stranger Things

This show follows the search of a boy who goes missing and how that affects his family, friends, and the small town where he lives. While the search is taking place, a strange girl appears with no name or past history that she can recall, but ever since she has appeared, strange things keep happening.
It is reminiscient of 1980s sci-fi/horror classics paying homage to "E.T.," "Poltergeist" and the novels of Stephen King.

This show is fantastic and worth all the hype it has gained!

Sing Street

This is a movie about a boy who starts a band to impress a girl. The girl is a model and he knows that the only way he can talk to her is to get her to star in a music video for his band. There's one small problem, however... he doesn't have a band. 

I know the premise is pretty cliche, but it is a very cute movie. The setting of the film takes place in Ireland during the 80s. Right around the time that bands like Duran Duran were creating music videos for their songs. The music is catchy and the music videos are hysterical! Definitely worth checking out!

Bob's Burgers

The series centers on the Belchers—parents Bob and Linda, and their children Tina, Gene, and Louise—who run a hamburger restaurant. The family is a little eccentric and they always seem to get into some interesting shenanigans.

One of my favorite things about the series is how much Bob as well as the writers of the show enjoy puns. Every episode has a new clever burger of the day such as the "Silentil Night Burger" or newly opened business next door such as "Annie Get Your Gum"

Black Mirror

Black Mirror is a British television series that features episodes having to do with dark and satirical themes focusing on modern society, particularly with regard to the unanticipated consequences of new technologies.

It's almost like a modern day Twilight Zone. This show is riveting and enthralling, but I do not recommend watching more than three episodes at a time. It can mess with your mind.