The Portland Public Library has added a new digital lending service, allowing holders of library cards to stream audio books, TV shows, movies and music.

The service is offered through Hoopla, a streaming service used by libraries across the country, said Emily Levine, director of development and external relations at the library.

“We really want to provide folks with a way to access a lot of content, and one of the elements of Hoopla that we found compelling was the amount of audiobook content there is,” she said.

The service has been available since April 16, and nearly 350 cardholders have signed up. About 40 percent have streamed videos, 30 percent audiobooks and 30 percent music, Levine said.

The service is straightforward. You must have a library card from the Portland library, or one of its branches, and Internet access. Some people might have to download software or an app. Through the websites of either the library or Hoopla, users can sign up and follow online instructions.

Patrons can borrow up to six items per month. Borrowing times are 21 days for an audiobook, seven days for music and three days for a video.

Portland is the first library in Maine to offer the service, said Sarah Campbell, the library’s associate director. “We have wanted to have some kind of streaming option for some time, and Hoopla is the best product out there,” she said.

For information, visit portland library.com or hoopladigital.com

Staff Writer Bob Keyes can be contacted at 791-6457 or at:

bkeyes@pressherald.com

Twitter: pphbkeyes