Kanopy

Watch endless free content on our Kanopy video streaming service, including indie films, documentaries and courses.

We are aware that users are experiencing issues with accessing their Kanopy account using their library card. This is currently being investigated by the service provider. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

How it works

Your library card gives you free access to the Kanopy app, which allows you to stream indie films, documentaries and courses to your phone, tablet and directly to some smart TVs.

You can also stream in your browser (such as Chrome, Edge or Firefox) from the Kanopy website. If your smart TV doesn’t have the Kanopy app, you can stream to a TV using a device such as a Chromecast.

Get started

All you need is your library card number. Apply for a library card now — we can get a number to you within a few working days.

Please be advised that the temporary WEB library card number issued to you when you first apply online will not work with eLibrary services — you must have a permanent library card number to start using Kanopy. This will be emailed to you once we have processed your application.

You can start using Kanopy through:

Downloading the Kanopy app from the iOS App Store
Downloading the Kanopy app from the Google Play store
Visiting the Kanopy website
Using the Kanopy app on your smart TV or streaming to your TV with a device such as a Chromecast

The quickest way is to install the app on your device or smart TV. Search for “Kanopy” in the iOS, Google Play or your smart TV app stores and follow the instructions.

Step by step instructions

If you need help setting up Kanopy on your device, visit your local library where our friendly staff can walk you through the process.

Setting up on a smartphone or tablet

Download and install the ‘Kanopy’ app from the App Store or Google Play‍
When the download is complete, click ‘Open’
Swipe twice across the screen to show the sign-up page, then press the red ‘Sign up’ button
Fill in the registration form and press ‘Sign up’
Kanopy will send an email to the address you provided. Click the orange ‘Verify email’ button in this email
The app will reopen. In the ‘Library Name’ box, type ‘Suffolk Community Libraries’ and select the ‘Suffolk Community Libraries – United Kingdom’ option that appears
Enter your library card number and click the red ‘Verify’ button
Suffolk Community Libraries’ Kanopy service will now be available to use.

Note that you will need to use the email address you provided in step 4 to login into other devices.

Setting up on a computer

Go to the Kanopy website‍
Click the white ‘Log in’ button in the top right-hand corner of the screen
Click ‘Don’t have an account yet? Get Started’
Click ‘Find your library’
Start typing ‘Suffolk Community Libraries’ and select ‘Suffolk Community Libraries – United Kingdom’ when it appears as a drop-down option
Enter your library card number and click the red ‘Continue’ button
Fill in the registration form
Kanopy will send an email to the address you provided. Click the orange ‘Verify email’ button in this email
Suffolk Community Libraries’ Kanopy service will now be available to use.

Using Kanopy

You have 10 credits available per month to watch films. Your allowance is reset on the first day of each month. You can see how many credits you have available in the top right-hand corner when logged in.

A credit is deducted once you’ve watched 10 seconds of a standard film, and then you can watch that film as many times as you like within 72 hours without paying additional credits.

If you play an episode of the Great Courses, you will have unlimited access to that entire course for 30 days without using additional play credits.

Parents can restrict their Kanopy account to only provide access to Kanopy Kids content. Select ‘Parental controls’ in the drop-down under your name in the top right-hand corner and follow the instructions to set up a 4-digit PIN. Once you’ve used one credit on a Kanopy Kids film, you have unlimited access to children’s films for the next 30 days.

When you click on a film, you have the option to add it to ‘My list’ or click the play button and start watching. You can find the your list of saved films by choosing ‘My Watchlist’ from the drop-down menu under your name in the top right-hand corner.

Add closed captions by clicking the ‘cc’ option at the bottom of the video.

Increase or decrease speed of play by clicking ‘1x’ option at the bottom of the video