Hoopla Service Update

The Enoch Pratt Free Library will discontinue Hoopla after September 30, 2025. 

This has been a difficult decision, but after many months of analysis and attempts to bring costs under control, we have come to the conclusion that cancellation is the best way forward financially and for the Library’s customers. Discontinuing Hoopla will allow the Library to best manage its collection budget and continue providing the best print and electronic resources for our community.

While Hoopla has been free for patrons to use, the Library pays a fee for every item borrowed — typically $1.99–$3.99 each. As usage has grown, costs have become unsustainable, even after reducing monthly checkouts from 10 to 5.

We are reallocating our budget to other popular and cost-effective services, including OverDrive/Libby (eBooks, eAudiobooks, comics, magazines), Kanopy (streaming movies & TV), and Comics Plus (digital comics & graphic novels). These platforms allow us to provide high-quality digital content while keeping resources available for everyone. Please visit the Books and More page for access to these resources.

All titles checked out from Hoopla in September will be available until their October due date. 

Read the Frequently Asked Questions below to learn more, find alternatives, and save your Hoopla history before the service ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead?

We’re focusing our resources on other popular and cost-effective services:

• OverDrive/Libby: eBooks, eAudiobooks, comics, and magazines
• Kanopy: streaming movies and television
• Comics Plus: digital comics and graphic novels

These platforms give you access to thousands of titles, and the Library can better manage costs to keep them available for everyone.

How can I save my Hoopla history or favorites?

Before Hoopla ends:

1. Log in and click “My Account.”
2. Select “History” to see your past checkouts, or “Favorites” to see saved titles/authors.
3. Print or save these pages for your own records.

What if Libby doesn’t have the title I want?

You can suggest a purchase for eBooks or eAudiobooks using our Suggest a Title for the Pratt Library form. If we purchase the title, we’ll let you know when it’s available.

Why do I sometimes have to wait for Libby titles?

Many eBooks and eAudiobooks can only be borrowed by one person at a time, just like physical books. The Library often buys extra copies of popular titles to shorten wait times, but these digital licenses cost much more than consumer editions and may need to be repurchased every 1–2 years.

For questions, please contact us.