The Library will be phasing out the Hoopla app, used by patrons who borrow ebooks and audiobooks, this Spring. Our own data, patrons’ requests for more copies and a wider selection, plus a desire to make the most of our collection budget, all led us to this decision.
- In short, it is better for both our budget and your experience as a Library user. Sunsetting Hoopla and putting those budgeted dollars toward more titles on Libby will enable us to build a more robust Libby collection with reduced wait times.
- More chances to borrow. Libby offers 15 checkouts at a time, where Hoopla only allows 10 per month.
- Your own librarians are choosing the titles. Libby is curated by Park Ridge librarians, who can determine what patrons like based on our own circulation data (and Palace Project is curated by the state library of Illinois in the same way). Hoopla is curated by the publishers with whom they contract.
- More features. Libby has features that allow us to make recommendations to you through the app, like the Staff Picks list your librarians put together regularly.
- More focus on what is in demand. Our staff is able to monitor holds more easily in Libby, so if there is a long waitlist for your copy, know that the staff is working to lessen those long hold lines.
If there is a title you are looking for, and you don’t see it within Libby or the Palace Project, please fill out this Suggest a Purchase form on our website and let us know what you’re looking for. If you see the title but it’s not available, place a hold. If we know a title is in demand, we will make purchasing it a priority.
When will Hoopla no longer be accessible?
Hoopla will be phased out gradually over the next six weeks. Beginning Wednesday, April 1, the Hoopla app will only allow five checkouts per month as opposed to 10. On Sunday, May 17, the Hoopla app will no longer be available to Park Ridge Library cardholders.
How do I make the switch?
If you haven’t used Libby before, it’s very easy to create a profile and it’s very user-friendly. The Palace Project, another option for downloads that launched last fall, requires just your card number and the PIN you use when you log into our online catalog. In fact, more of our audio- and e-book borrowers already use Libby over Hoopla. You only need your library card number. Kanopy is a great option for borrowing movies and series.
If you need assistance transitioning to Libby or the Palace Project app, make an appointment with a Park Ridge librarian for one-on-one help.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we make this change. Please let us know if you have any questions by emailing our Reader Services staff at prkrs@parkridgelibrary.org. Learn more about all our ebook and downloadable options here.
