Hoopla Changes 
February 26, 2025

Beginning March 1st, 2025, the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library will implement changes to Hoopla, the popular digital media service that offers access to eBooks, audiobooks, movies, music, and more.

​

With approximately 100-300 new users joining Hoopla each month, the rising costs are projected to exceed our current budget before the end of the fiscal year (June 30, 2025). To ensure we can continue offering a wide range of digital and physical materials to our patrons, we must make adjustments to how Hoopla is accessed.

​

Effective March 1st, the number of Hoopla checkouts per patron each month will be reduced from five to three. 

​

Understanding Hoopla's Cost Structure

It’s helpful to understand how Hoopla's pricing works. Libraries pay a set fee each time an item is borrowed. While prices vary, the average cost per checkout for all materials is about $2.04. With more patrons accessing this service each month, these fees add up quickly.

​

Unlike traditional models, Hoopla charges the Library as soon as an item is borrowed — even if the patron doesn’t read, watch, or listen to the title. With the growing checkouts in Hoopla since its introduction in 2019, the Library's average yearly costs have risen by over 372%.

Cost Management Strategies​

We remain committed to offering diverse digital resources, but managing these rising costs is essential. By reducing the monthly checkout limit, we aim to keep Hoopla available for as many patrons as possible without exceeding our budget.

​

Exploring Additional Solutions

​Looking ahead, the Library is exploring options to better manage digital collection costs. This could include limiting Hoopla checkouts to certain types of materials, adjusting borrowing limits further, or reallocating funds to OverDrive/Libby, which operates on a different pricing model. Currently, the Library spends an average of $0.92 per circulation on Libby compared to $2.04 per circulation on Hoopla.

​

Bonus Borrows

We encourage patrons to take advantage of Hoopla’s “Bonus Borrows,” available during the last seven days of each month. These special titles don’t count against your monthly limit, and the Library incurs no cost for them. Look for Bonus Borrows in the app or on Hoopla’s main page during the final week of each month.

​

Other Digital Services Unaffected

These changes apply only to Hoopla. Other digital services, including Libby/OverDrive, remain unaffected.

​

We know these adjustments may be disappointing to some, and we truly appreciate your support as we balance fiscal responsibility with excellent library service. Your feedback is always welcome — please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts with us as we navigate the future of digital resources at the Library.

​

Thank you for your continued support of the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library.