Entertainment shouldn’t be only for those with large amounts of disposable income. And yet streaming services are increasing in number and in cost all the time, while viewers are required to have high-speed Internet access and streaming-capable devices just to watch them.
If you’re more of an analog person, it’s still possible to get free entertainment in your home — and it’s all available in your local public library’s DVD collection. Here, we’ll take a look at how you can access your favorite TV shows and feature films on DVD or Blu-Ray discs through your library’s video collection, plus give tips on expanding your entertainment library with easily-accessible digital and streaming options.
Can Libraries Really Get New Movie DVDs?
Yes, libraries really can get new titles on DVD and Blu-Ray. Most libraries today have a large entertainment selection that encompasses everything from free streaming platforms like Kanopy and Hoopla to hard copies like DVDs and even, in some places, VHS collections.
While new movies are typically available in analog formats after they’re released for streaming purchase or rental, it’s usually only a few weeks before they can appear on your library’s shelves. Many libraries partner with distributors, like Baker & Taylor, who specialize in supplying DVDs and CDs to public libraries. Some libraries also take advantage of interlibrary loan, so you can borrow titles from other libraries while picking up and returning conveniently at your local branch.
What Kinds of Modern Movies Can You Borrow?
You can usually find your library’s DVD collection housed with all of its hard copy media, like movies, CDs, and board games. There, DVDs and Blu-rays are usually separated by genre, including sci-fi, action/adventure, horror, foreign language, comedy, documentary films, and more. Often, you will find a new release section specifically for the latest titles. A few examples of new release DVDs you might find in your library (as of October 2025) include:
- Weapons
- The Fantastic Four: First Steps
- F1
- Mission: Impossible: The Final Reckoning
- The Bad Guys 2
- The Conjuring: Last Rites
- Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale
How to Find and Reserve DVDs at Your Library
Just as it used to be in the days of Blockbuster and video rental stores, snagging a new release can be tricky. Increased demand for new movies and limited copies can mean a long wait to see your favorites. But if you understand the system, you can make the process easier and get all your top picks as soon as they’re available. Here’s how:
Make Sure Your Library Card is Active
If you don’t already have a library card, it’s time to get one. It’s free to sign up at your local branch, and all you need to do is show an ID or proof of address and supply a phone number. If you already have a library card, check to make sure you don’t have any overdue items or outstanding late fees before you use it.
Visit Your Library or Visit the Website
You can peruse DVDs and Blu-ray discs in person, but it may not always be convenient to stop by your local branch. Instead, you can visit the library’s website and browse the catalog there. When you search online, you can filter results by release or acquisition date, genre, title, and more.
Place a Hold on Your Desired Items
Because hard copies of new release movies are in high demand, you might have to place a hold to get on the list. Placing a hold is similar to making a reservation at a restaurant: you put in your name, wait for availability, and they’ll let you know when it’s ready. On some library websites, you can even put an item on hold before it hits the shelves, so you can be sure you’re among the first to check it out. You may also be able to bookmark items that are coming soon, and request email or text updates when they’re available.
Pick Up Your Items and Enjoy Until the Due Date
Most often, your library will notify you when your DVDs are ready for pickup. Usually, you’ll be able to keep them for a few days up to a week for new releases, and perhaps longer for older movies. You can always check your due dates on the library website, and in some cases, you can even renew your items online. Just be sure you renew or return your items by the due date, so you won’t be hit with any late or replacement fees.
Why DVDs Are Still Worth It in a Streaming World
Why in the world would anyone still be checking out DVDs and Blu-rays when streaming platforms are widely available? Here’s why:
- You can access new movies, TV shows, and other content without the need for high-speed Internet, Wi-Fi, or streaming-enabled devices.
- DVDs and hard copy media are often better quality than compressed streaming services, especially in the case of Blu-ray and 4K discs.
- Subscribing to multiple streaming platforms can add up in cost, but relying on your library’s DVD collection is totally free.
- You’ll avoid the headache of slow connections, constant buffering, and lag time.
- You won’t have to deal with the consequences of illegal streaming.
- You can enjoy the bonus content often included with DVD and Blu-ray discs, like director’s commentary, bloopers, deleted scenes, and alternate endings.
Exploring the Library as a Full Entertainment Center
Beyond just film collections on DVD, your library should provide you with access to various forms of media entertainment. Be sure you explore all the options your local library has to offer.
Analog Media
In addition to DVDs, you can usually find these other types of hard copy media in your library:
- Audiobooks on CD
- Video games for various gaming systems
- Music on CD
- Board games and learning/STEM toys
- Magazines
Streaming Services
If you have a smartphone or any device that can stream digital media, you can also take advantage of your library’s streaming services, including:
- Hoopla for audiobooks, comics, magazines, movies, TV shows, and educational content
- Kanopy for new release movies, foreign language films, buzzy TV series, independent features, kids’ content, and classics
- Libby for ebooks, bestsellers, audiobooks, streaming movies, and more
Tips for Maximizing Library Movie Access
Yes, you can enjoy new release movies and classic favorites on DVD from your library at absolutely no cost. However, if you want to watch all the latest films as early as possible, you’re going to have to have a plan. Here’s what to do:
- Check online for release dates for upcoming new movies. Remember that DVD releases are usually a few weeks later than the release dates on streaming platforms. However, now that many movies are released to streaming at the same time or just after they hit the theatre, you can expect to see new release movies earlier than ever.
- Place holds or reservations early. Once you know the release dates, you can go to your library’s online catalog to see if the title is available to put on hold. If so, reserve it well in advance. If not, you can sometimes request notifications via email or text so you know when it’s ready.
- Use an interlibrary loan to access new DVDs from other libraries.
- Sign up for multiple library cards if you live in an area with access to several library systems. This way you increase your odds of getting a new release without waiting on a hold.
- Ask a librarian for help. If you aren’t comfortable browsing the catalog online, you can talk with a librarian who can help you put holds on forthcoming releases or set up alerts so you know when you can reserve a title.
- If you have a smartphone, download your library’s app for quick and easy browsing. You can also explore the streaming apps your library offers and get access to digital movies, TV shows, ebooks, podcasts, playlists, and more.
- Make a request from your library. Your library wants to know the kinds of movies its patrons are interested in, so it will often have a form for you to request that the purchase of a particular title on DVD. You may be able to do this on the library’s website, but you can also do it in person at your local branch.
How StreamSafely Supports Legal & Affordable Movie Access
You can explore a wealth of entertainment on DVD and Blu-ray disc, totally free of charge, from your neighborhood library. Relying on analog technology is nostalgic, but it’s also pretty smart. You lessen the hassle and expense of streaming, and you lower the risk you take on when you watch pirated content.
Learn all about where and how you can watch 100% free movies, legally, and then check out our FAQs for more information on how to safely stream the entertainment you love!
