Blackstone Library Cardholders: Stream 1,000s of Films, Documentaries, Courses Free on Kanopy

May 5, 2025

0 820 5 minutes read

If you’re tired of endless scrolling on Netflix or burned out on binge-watching the same few shows, there’s a smarter—and completely free—way to stream top-quality entertainment and education: Kanopy. And if you have a library card, you already have access.

What is Kanopy?

Kanopy is a critically acclaimed streaming service offering thousands of films, documentaries, series, and educational programs. But what truly sets it apart is its focus on cultural, social, and academic value. Kanopy isn’t about quantity—it’s about quality. Its growing collection includes exclusive indie films, award-winning shorts, and content from some of the most respected media sources in the world, like:

The Criterion Collection – Essential world cinema
The Great Courses – College-level lectures and lessons
Media Education Foundation – Social justice and media literacy
Kanopy Kids – Ad-free, educational children’s programming

How Does It Work?

All you need is a library card from the Blackstone Public Library or another participating library. Set up is quick—no ads, no hidden fees, no spammy emails. Just create a Kanopy account, link your card, and start watching.

Each month, you get 24 tickets (or plays). Different titles cost different numbers of tickets (you’ll see this before you watch), and your balance resets monthly. Stream on Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick, Android/Google TV, Samsung TVs, or on mobile with the Kanopy app (available on iOS, Android, and Fire tablets).

🎬 What You Can Watch on Kanopy

Here’s a taste of the incredible—and sometimes exclusive—content Kanopy offers:

Popular Picks You Might Recognize

Interstellar (2014) – Sci-fi epic from Christopher Nolan. Oscar Winner: Best Visual Effects.
Hearts in Atlantis (2001) – A heartfelt coming-of-age tale based on a Stephen King story.
Zoolander (2001) – Cult comedy about male models and mind control.
Clueless (1995) – A 90s classic that redefined teen comedies.
The Producers (1967) – Mel Brooks’ outrageous, Tony-winning satire.
Memento (2000) – A groundbreaking thriller told in reverse. Academy Award-nominated for Best Original Screenplay.

World Cinema – New & Noteworthy

The Antares Paradox (2022) – Spanish sci-fi drama balancing personal grief with cosmic discovery.
My Life as a Zucchini (2016) – Stop-motion gem exploring childhood trauma and healing. Oscar-nominated for Best Animated Feature.
The Universal Theory (2023) – A poetic, international film that blends philosophy, science, and surrealism.

Documentaries That Make You Think

The First Monday in May (2016) – Behind-the-scenes of the Met Gala and fashion as art. Tribeca Film Festival selection.
Banned Together – A compelling look at censorship and intellectual freedom.
Borderland: The Line Within – Personal stories from the U.S.-Mexico border.
Heist: Who Stole the American Dream? – Investigative look at systemic inequality.
Queen of the Deuce – Story of Chelly Wilson, LGBTQ icon and porn-theater mogul in 1970s NYC.

Outstanding Series to Binge

Da Vinci’s Demons – A fictional twist on Leonardo da Vinci’s life, full of intrigue and invention.
History: The Interesting Bits – Quick, quirky takes on lesser-known historical facts.
Titans: The Rise of Hollywood – Explore the moguls who built American cinema.

Staff Picks & Award-Winners

I Am Not Your Negro (2016) – A powerful James Baldwin documentary. Oscar-nominated, BAFTA-winner.
Miss Representation (2011) – Investigates how media shapes perceptions of women.
A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014) – An Iranian feminist vampire Western. Indie Spirit nominee.
Bicycle Thieves (1948) – One of the most influential films in cinema history. Honorary Academy Award.
The Silent Child (2017) – Short film about a deaf girl’s isolation. Oscar Winner: Best Live Action Short.
Skin (2018) – A short film about redemption and hate. Oscar Winner: Best Live Action Short.

Obscure Gems You Can’t Miss

Kanopy shines brightest when it surfaces films that are hard—or even impossible—to find elsewhere. Here are a few under-the-radar treasures:

Titicut Follies (1967): Frederick Wiseman’s harrowing documentary exposes the inhumane conditions at the Bridgewater State Hospital for the criminally insane. Banned from public release for over two decades, it was later recognized for its cultural significance and selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry in 2022.
City Hall (2020): Another compelling work by Wiseman, this four-and-a-half-hour documentary offers an immersive look into Boston’s city government under Mayor Marty Walsh. Praised for its detailed portrayal of civic processes, it was nominated for a Gotham Independent Film Award.
The Killing of Two Lovers (2020): Directed by Robert Machoian, this indie drama presents a raw and intimate portrayal of a man grappling with the disintegration of his marriage. Premiering at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, it holds a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and was nominated for Best Picture and Best Actor at the 2021 Hollywood Critics Association Awards.
Yuriy Norshteyn: Making the Overcoat (2019): This documentary delves into the decades-long endeavor of Russian animator Yuri Norstein to adapt Nikolai Gogol’s short story “The Overcoat” into an animated film. Beginning in 1981, the project remains unfinished, with only 25 minutes completed as of 2024. The film captures the passion and frustration inherent in artistic pursuits, showcasing Norstein’s dedication to his craft despite numerous obstacles.
Strangers in Good Company (1990): Directed by Cynthia Scott, this Canadian film features eight elderly women stranded in the wilderness, sharing life stories and forming deep bonds. The film won the Best Canadian Film award at the Vancouver International Film Festival and the Grand Prize at the Mannheim-Heidelberg International Film Festival.
We Are the Best! (2013): This Swedish coming-of-age film, directed by Lukas Moodysson, follows three girls forming a punk band in 1980s Stockholm. Celebrated for its heartfelt portrayal of youth and rebellion, it won the Best Foreign Language Film at the National Board of Review and received multiple nominations at international film festivals.
The Brand New Testament (2015): A surreal and subversive Belgian comedy by Jaco Van Dormael, this film reimagines God as a grumpy man in Brussels, with his daughter setting out to rewrite the world. It was well-received at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival and won the Fedeora Award for Best European Film.
Take This Waltz (2011): Directed by Sarah Polley, this film explores the complexities of love and fidelity through the story of a woman torn between her stable marriage and a new attraction. It holds a 79% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and was nominated for Best Leading Actress at the 32nd Genie Awards.

Important Note: Availability May Vary

Access to Kanopy’s streaming catalog depends on your library’s participation and licensing agreements. All of the titles mentioned in this article—including popular films, obscure gems, and educational series—are currently available through the Blackstone Public Library Kanopy access. If you’re outside the area or using a different library, your available content may vary. Not sure if you’re covered? Contact your library to check.

Why Kanopy Is Great (and How to Get Started)

Unlike commercial streaming platforms, Kanopy is free because your local public library believes in access to culture, education, and art. Whether you’re a film buff, a curious learner, or a parent looking for quality kids’ programming, Kanopy has something for you.

And best of all? YOU already have access. If you’re a Blackstone resident with a library card, you’re good to go. Don’t know your card number or not sure if your card is active? Contact the Blackstone Public Library and they’ll help you get started.

Take Advantage—You’re Already Paying for It

Kanopy is one of the best-kept secrets in streaming—educational, entertaining, inspiring, and already included with your tax dollars. So why not make the most of it?

✅ Visit kanopy.com
✅ Sign up with your Blackstone Public Library card
✅ Start watching smarter—for free.

No card? No problem. Drop by the Blackstone Public Library and sign up for one. It’s your ticket to a world of ideas, stories, and unforgettable films.