December 2023
Are you looking for a new film or video series to watch, but do not want to pay for another subscription service?
Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) will have demonstrations in December on Access Video On Demand, a video-streaming service offered free through the libraries’ online eLibrary collection of digital resources.
The demonstrations will take place at two library locations, but those interested may also inquire about the service at any time at any FBCL location.
The schedule of demonstrations is as follows:
- First Colony Branch Library – Monday, December 11, at 2:00 pm.
- Sienna Branch Library – Tuesday, December 12, at 2:00 pm.
With Access Video On Demand, library patrons have instant, unlimited, 24/7 access to thousands of world-class documentaries, award-winning educational films, independent movies, and helpful instructional videos covering a wide range of subjects.
This video-streaming service includes two collections -- “Access Video on Demand: Master Collection” for adults and “Access Video On Demand: Just for Kids.” From arts and humanities to science, technology, and math, Access Video On Demand (AVOD) provides instant access to a wide range of subjects for library patrons of all ages.
In the AVOD: Master Collection, producers such as the History Channel, HBO, BBC, Nova, A&E, and Ken Burns provide documentaries on topics like business, career planning, health, history, travel, and more! Library patrons can watch a Bob Dylan concert, go on a trip with Rick Steves, learn to bake with Julia Child, or work out with Jeanette Jenkins!
AVOD: Just for Kids provides thousands of age-appropriate, advertisement-free videos that children, parents, and caregivers will love. Sesame Street, Reading Rainbow, PBS, and the The Electric Company are a few of the many offerings that are available. Interactives games, puzzles, and quizzes are sure to entertain, educate, and inspire young library patrons on this kid-safe media platform.
Looking for homework help? AVOD: Just for Kids includes educational, historical, and popular content, with full transcripts of programs, a citation builder for bibliographies, and video-clipping tools that help the user embed the video in a presentation.
Completely browser-based and mobile friendly, the streaming videos can be viewed on PCs, Macs, iPads, smart TVs, and other internet-enabled mobile devices. No app or special software is required.
While not required, it is possible to create an account with AVOD and create playlists for videos to be watched in the future. With an account, patrons may also pause videos and resume at a later time.
All videos come with public-performance rights for classroom or other public use, and new videos are added monthly.
To browse the AVOD collection of films, click on “eLibrary,” and scroll down to Access Video on Demand. There are no check-out limits, waitlists, or overdue fines.
A valid FBCL card (or eCard) is required to access the service. Library cards are free to all Texas residents. To apply for a library card, please visit any FBCL location during business hours. You must provide a valid photo ID that is not expired (government-issued photo ID, passports from any country, or any state driver license) and a document showing a current address if it is not shown on the photo ID. Click here to learn how to get a library card!
For more information, call the library system’s Communications Office at 281-633-4734.