Discontinuation of Hoopla Digital Service

Announcement

After thoughtful evaluation and review, we have made the difficult decision to discontinue our Hoopla Digital service, effective December 31, 2025. Although Hoopla offered instant access to a number of ebooks, audiobooks, movies, music, and more, its pay-per-use model has become financially unsustainable for our community. This is not unique to Hiawatha, as many libraries across the country have moved away from this model due to its unpredictability and high impact on library budgets.  

This decision did not come lightly to the Library Board and staff. Data and information reviewed showed a smaller patron base, limited usage, high and unsustainable costs, content overlap, and different ways to leverage our finances to be good stewards of the library’s collection budget. Details and statistics about these areas can be found in the FAQ section of this announcement.

We remain committed to providing robust and sustainable digital services. You can still access a wide range of materials — including eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, and graphic novels — through Libby, Flipster, Comics Plus, and CloudLibrary, all of which offer broad access with more predictable licensing costs and improved availability. Additionally, we strive to keep our physical collection fresh, current, and accessible.  

Our staff is available to assist you in transitioning to these platforms. You’ll also find helpful step-by-step guides, FAQs, and video tutorials on our website to make the switch as smooth as possible. 

Thank you for your understanding and support as we strive to deliver the best possible variety of resources while stewarding public funds responsibly. Should you have any questions, please reach out to our library director, Erin Verbick.

FAQ: Hoopla Discontinuation

Why is the library discontinuing Hoopla? 

Hoopla operates on a pay-per-use model—charging a fee for every item checked out. This results in unpredictable and rapidly increasing costs that place pressure on the library’s budget. In contrast, services such as Libby align more with library practices by using established licensing or subscription systems, providing similar offerings at a more sustainable cost-per-use. Additionally, we are part of a state-wide consortium for Libby making our financial commitment easier to manage.  

What data and information did the Library Board and staff consider in making this decision? 

This was a very difficult decision to make, so we relied on data and alternatives. Additionally, Morrill Public Library joins a growing number of libraries who have already discontinued their Hoopla service.  

• Smaller Patron Base: Approximately 8.5% of Morrill Public Library’s registered card holders use Hoopla.
• Limited Usage: Hoopla circulation makes up 8% of all of our overall circulation, print, and electronic. Within our electronic circulation, Libby has nearly double the circulation than Hoopla.
• High Costs: In 2024, Hoopla accounted for 19% of our annual collection expenses. Most months, our Hoopla invoice is almost as expensive as our yearly commitment to the Kansas-wide consortial offering of Libby. 
• Content Overlap: Much of the Hoopla content is available through other platforms, such as Libby, at a much lower cost.
• Leveraging Our Finances: We can apply funds to increase access to other resources, such as expanding our collection in Libby that will reduce waiting times.

I thought digital content was free? What is the cost for ebooks and audiobooks?

Providing digital content, such as ebooks, audiobooks, and other streaming, online content is often much more expensive than the physical or print item is. Additionally, while the library owns most of their physical collection, online content is generally offered through complex licensing agreements with recurring costs. Below is some additional reading that highlights the true cost to libraries. 

• Your Library’s Hoopla Digital Collections Are Breaking Their Budget
• Untangling the Real Cost of Ebooks to Libraries
• Behind E-Books, Libraries Find Restrictions and High Costs
• The Real Costs of Digital Content: eBook and Digital Audiobooks
• The True Cost of eBooks and Audiobooks for Libraries
• Ebook Study Group

When will Hoopla access end? 

Hoopla access will end on December 30, 2025. After that date, users cannot check out new titles. However, any content borrowed before that date will remain accessible until the normal lending period expires.

Do I have to cancel my Hoopla account? 

No. Your Hoopla account remains active, but new checkouts will no longer be possible once the service ends. You can still access your borrowing history, favorites, and any titles currently checked out.

What can I use instead of Hoopla? 

Digital/Streaming 

• Libby: Borrow eBooks, audiobooks, and more, with standard licensing and hold systems. Sunflower eLibrary is our state-wide consortium providing great access at a lower cost to individual libraries.
• cloudLibrary (use with a State of Kansas Library Card!): Patrons can borrow up to 5 ebooks at a time for 14 days each.
• Flipster: Browse over 50 magazine titles and download them for offline reading. Sign in with your MPL library card information.
• Comics Plus (use with a State of Kansas Library Card!): This State Library option gives you unlimited access to thousands of digital comics, graphic novels, and manga.

Physical Collection

• Morrill Public Library’s physical collection remains robust and accessible as well! 

My favorite titles aren’t available on Libby. What should I do? 

Use the “Notify Me” feature in Libby to learn if titles become available in the collection. If the library purchases the title, you’ll be notified when it’s available. Additionally, you can submit a request (click on ‘Purchase Suggestions) directly with us to request what are called ‘advantage titles’ meaning they are available only for Morrill Public Library patrons. All decisions will be made following our Collection Development policy.  

I’m worried about long wait times for holds on Libby.

Libby uses a licensing model where books may need to be placed on hold, very similar to how a library operates. The library can purchase extra copies to reduce wait periods.  

Can I still view my Hoopla checkout history or favorites?

Yes! You can log into Hoopla and view your borrowing history under “My Hoopla” ? “History,” and access favorites via “Favorites.” We recommend taking screenshots or saving this info before December 31 in the event Hoopla eventually removes this access.  

Where can I get help transitioning to Libby?

Visit our website for detailed guides, video tutorials, and support. You can also contact library staff at the front desk or via email/phone for one-on-one assistance.