Hoopla is a digital service through which participating public libraries offer patrons audiobooks, ebooks, comics, movies, television, magazines, and music. Patron access is 0.00 USD per free, but requires a valid card from a participating library and an email address; available titles depend on the library catalog. Patrons can stream content or download most titles to a phone or tablet for offline access. Hoopla describes borrowing as immediate, while lending periods vary by format and provider agreement. A BingePass uses one borrow for seven-day access to a collection or platform. Kids Mode filters titles intended for adults from search and browsing, including history, favorites, and My hoopla. Hoopla is available on Android, iOS, and web. Supported TV options include Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Samsung TV, and Chromecast; audio is also supported through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Libraries can integrate catalog records through an API feed or MARC records delivered by SFTP. API integration requires a license, an electronic key, and a signed agreement.
Who it is for
Hoopla is for patrons of participating public libraries who want digital media through library borrowing. Libraries can use its catalog integrations, subject to licensing and agreement requirements for API access.
What is good
- Offers seven-day BingePass access with one borrow.
- Most titles can be downloaded to phones or tablets.
- Kids Mode filters adult-intended titles.
- Supports Android, iOS, and web.
What to know first
- Requires a valid card from a participating library.
- Available titles vary by library catalog.
- Lending periods vary by format and provider agreement.
- API catalog integration requires a license and signed agreement.
Verdict
Hoopla provides a broad digital-media catalog through participating libraries, with streaming and offline access for most titles. Access depends on library participation and the titles in its catalog.
Hoopla plans and pricing
All plansCompared on audiobook apps
- Free plan
- Yes
- Offline listening
- Yes
- Access model
- library borrowing
- Mobile platforms
- ios and android
- Family sharing
- No
- DRM-free downloads
- No
