Our lives changed demonstratively a little over a year ago. Who would have thought that we might still be having to think about if a restaurant was open for inside dining, outside dining or might have even gone the way of so many others and their doors would be permanently closed.
The entertainment industry was probably hit harder than others when it was needed the most. With theaters closed for this past year, we have resorted to our televisions for entertainment and then gotten mostly re-runs! We were just spoiled, me included. I can’t wait to sit in a huge reclining seat with my feet up, head back and popcorn in my lap… a quiet room with a wall to wall screen. Oh, how I miss actually going to the movie theater!
Fortunately, for many years we have had our choice of good to great movies, so many we, fortunately, didn’t have the time to see them all, until the past year. I believe that a lot of us are now caught up.
I was recently introduced to Kanopy. If you’ve never heard of it, let me introduce you. It’s my privilege.
KANOPY is an on-demand streaming video platform for public libraries and universities that offers films and documentaries. There is also a Kanopy Kids which includes children’s programming. All you need is a library card and like the books you check out and read, it’s FREE to watch. The Libraries and Universities pay a fee just like they buy books for us to read. The platform was founded in 2008 in Western Australia by Olivia Humphrey, an Australian entrepreneur as an educational tool for universities. Started in Australia, it is now headquartered in San Francisco.
While I was spending some time looking at what they have, I found The Librarian Trilogy. Three films, two years apart in their debuts that were pure entertainment. I did something I don’t believe I’ve ever done. I sat in my comfy chair and watched all three, back to back, straight thru without stopping. Now, they are in the same genre as Indiana Jones but with a different twist, a brilliant Librarian! The Quest of the Spear was released in 2004, Return to King Solomon’s Mines in 2006 and Curse of the Judas Chalice in 2008. The intent was to release a fourth film to be released on the Big Screen but the plans changed and in 2014 a spin-off came to TNT. The show shares continuity with the films and has many of the same producers.
Noah Wyle, the Librarian, had been the perpetual student touting twenty PHD’s, when he was quietly recruited to save the world’s antiquities. There we have it! A “Bookworm” turned hero! My kind of movie! There is a different leading lady in each of the films, all athletic and beautiful! The cast also includes the incredibly funny, Bob Newhart and equally talented, Jane Curtin.
I have to confess to having served as a Library Commissioner. I’ve always been a fellow Bookworm and enjoyed my time but the Library system is much more than a place to check out a book. I’ve truly missed just browsing the books, and the movies this past year. Our Libraries have tried to serve us the best they could during this pandemic but it’s just not the same. As they open back up, take the time to go in, look around, pick up a shiny new Library Card if you don’t already have one or forgotten where you put it. While you’re there, ask about Kanopy, you’ll be glad you did. This app for your computer, television or mobile device will amaze you with its tens of thousands of films of all kind. Whether you want to research, learn or kick back with a great movie you’ll find it right at your fingertips. Wherever your interests lie, you’re sure to find something worthy of your time.
My recommendation this month isn’t just one movie or three, as in the Librarian Trilogy, it’s about a whole new journey in film. I trust you’ll enjoy it as much as I am. Once again, feel free to contact me with your comments at carolyn@carolynhastings.com
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