As we reported this past spring, the library has been closely monitoring the sustainability of our hoopla digital collection. We recognize and appreciate this is a valued service popular for instant checkouts and a broad selection. However, lasting usage and cost increases, as well as limited funds for the service, do not allow the library to continue offering hoopla under the same parameters it currently does.
Moving forward, you may notice a difference in titles available in hoopla. Though patrons never see (or are charged) individual prices, hoopla charges the library a fee each and every time a cardholder borrows or renews a title, and the fee for that single use varies depending on the title. In order to help extend the available funds, the library has implemented item price caps, which remove some of the most expensive items offered to library cardholders. Rest assured, a robust collection will still be available, and all formats currently available in hoopla will remain available. For context, in reviewing the items borrowed by our cardholders in the past twelve months, 75% would still have been available to borrow under the terms of the new item price caps.
Additionally, starting January 1, the library is reducing the number of hoopla checkouts a cardholder can make each month to four (4) checkouts. Since April’s adjustment, three-quarters of the library’s hoopla borrowers have checked out four or fewer titles per month. These changes affect hoopla usage only and do not alter access to the library’s other stream and download services or the library’s collection of books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, and much more. Additionally, cardholders can still get hoopla titles that don't count against your limit with the Bonus Borrows program, available the last 7 days of each month. BingePasses will also continue to be available, which give you access to multiple titles under one checkout.
Please know this is not a decision we take lightly. Libraries nationwide are working diligently to balance costs and pricing models with the popularity of e-content and preservation of access to digital collections. We expect these necessary adjustments will help us continue to manage costs responsibly while still providing all Fondulac District Library cardholders with access to this valued resource through 2026.
For cardholders who will be impacted, please know library staff are here and happy to offer support navigating all library collections and services. Please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance.
Thank you for your understanding.