Critically recognized documentary from Oscar nominated filmmaker Kim A. Snyder, Executive Producer Sarah Jessica Parker, to stream exclusively on ad-free platform beginning May 22, through Memorial Day, prior to broader digital release

CLEVELAND, April 27, 2026  — Kanopy, the ad-free, subscription-free global streaming platform available through public and academic libraries, today announced it has secured an exclusive streaming window for “The Librarians,”  the timely documentary from Oscar®-nominated and Peabody Award-Winning Director/Producer Kim A. Snyder. The film will be available to stream beginning May 22, with an exclusive window for Kanopy’s public library audiences that goes through Memorial Day (May 25).

Arriving at a moment of heightened national conversation about access to information, “The Librarians” offers a powerful look at the individuals on the front lines of America’s evolving book landscape, capturing the personal and professional stakes librarians face as they navigate increasing challenges to intellectual freedom.

The documentary,  produced in association with Executive Producer Sarah Jessica Parker’s company Pretty Matches Productions, has previously aired on “PBS Independent Lens” and will transition to a new audience on Kanopy following a limited broadcast window, underscoring the platform’s role in extending the cultural lifespan of important, conversation-driving films.

“This is exactly the kind of storytelling Kanopy was built to champion,” said Jason Tyrrell, General Manager of Kanopy.  “‘The Librarians’ reflects the real-world impact of ideas, access, and community – issues that deeply resonate with our library partners, and with audiences seeking thoughtful, perspective-shifting content.”

Timed to anchor Memorial Day weekend viewing, Kanopy spotlights “The Librarians,” inviting audiences to engage with a story that is both timely and enduring, as the nation reflects on civic values and shared freedoms.

“We’re heartened that the film is resonating nationwide, cutting across partisan lines and lifting up the stories of our courageous librarians, true patriots bravely defending our most fundamental of American rights,” said Director/Producer Kim A. Snyder.

Snyder added, “Our collaboration with Kanopy could not be more timely and we welcome the opportunity to reach public libraries far and wide, raising awareness about the impact of censorship on our communities, public education, and First Amendment Rights.”

Kanopy’s exclusive window will provide audiences with early streaming access ahead of the documentary’s broader digital rollout this Fall.

The release also creates a natural extension into the broader digital library ecosystem, connecting film, reading, and community through platforms like Libby, where audiences are actively engaging with the very issues explored in “The Librarians.”

To learn more, explore kanopy.com or visit your local library.

About Kanopy
Kanopy is the leading video streaming service that allows everyone to Stream Smarter with access to thousands of films for free, thanks to the generous support of public libraries or universities. Kanopy has 30,000+ films in its catalog. Partnering with filmmakers, film and video distributors, Kanopy offers access to a wide range of engaging narratives, insightful documentaries, and riveting television and instructional content. Suppliers include BBC, Criterion, NEON, Samuel Goldwyn, HISTORY, A&E, The Great Courses, Kino Lorber, A24, and IFC Films. Kanopy’s ad-free platform is available via browser and on iOS, Android, and all major streaming devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Samsung Smart TV. OverDrive’s acquisition of Kanopy in 2021 brought together the largest catalog of premium eBooks, audiobooks, and streaming video content for thousands of public libraries, colleges, and universities. www.kanopy.com

Media Contacts: 

Madison Stoneburner 

mstoneburner@overdrive.com

+1 216-573-6886 ext. 1389