Hoopla Service Ending October 24, 2025

BCFLS will be discontinuing access to the Hoopla streaming service on October 24, 2025.

Why are we ending Hoopla?

Hoopla’s pay-per-use model means the library is charged each time an item is borrowed. As borrowing grew, the costs quickly exceeded our budget, even after we tried adding monthly limits. These limits caused frustration for patrons and staff alike, and ultimately the model proved unsustainable.

This challenge is not unique to BCFLS—many libraries across the country have stepped away from Hoopla due to the unpredictable costs.

What informed this decision?
 

• We exhausted our $40,000 Hoopla budget by mid-2025, putting us on track to spend nearly twice that by year’s end.

 

• Much of what Hoopla offers (eBooks, audiobooks, etc.) is also available through Overdrive/Libby.

 

• Of our 47,939 cardholders (as of Dec. 31, 2024), only 2,667 patrons (about 5.6%) used Hoopla.

Alternatives to Hoopla

Digital Access: Continue borrowing ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines through Overdrive/Libby.

Physical Collections: All BCFLS libraries maintain robust print and media collections for every interest!

Common Questions

Do I need to cancel my Hoopla account?
No. Accounts will remain, but borrowing will stop after October 24th, 2025. You can still view your history and favorites.

What if a title isn’t on Libby?
Use Libby’s “Notify Me” feature or submit a purchase suggestion to the New Castle District Library Center.

What about wait times in Libby?
Like the library, Libby sometimes requires holds. We monitor demand and purchase additional copies when possible.

Can I save my Hoopla history?
Yes. Before October 24th, log into Hoopla and take screenshots or export your “History” and “Favorites” lists.