Hoopla Changes
Beginning January 2025, Manhattan Public Library will be adjusting the monthly checkout limit on Hoopla from 5 items to 4. This decision was not made lightly, but it is necessary due to the increasing costs of digital content that have impacted libraries nationwide, including ours. We remain committed to providing access to a diverse range of digital materials, and this adjustment will help us continue to offer these services in a sustainable way.
Why the Change?
Over the past few years, the costs associated with digital content have risen significantly. Like many libraries, we face the challenge of maintaining access to digital materials while managing rising expenses. Reducing the monthly checkout limit helps us control these costs while continuing to provide a wide selection of resources that meet the needs of our community.
Alternative Options Considered
As we evaluated changes to Hoopla, our goal was to balance financial sustainability with the high value this service provides to our patrons. We carefully explored several options before making a decision:
Discontinuing Hoopla: While removing Hoopla entirely was considered, we recognize how much this service means to our community. Preserving access to Hoopla remains a priority for us.
Implementing Spending Caps: Another option involved maintaining the 5-item limit but introducing daily or monthly spending caps. However, this would have caused interruptions in access for some patrons once the cap was reached. Under this approach, even if you still had checkouts remaining for the month, you may be unable to access materials if the library had reached its spending limit for the day or month. To ensure uninterrupted access, we chose not to pursue this.
After much thoughtful deliberation, we concluded that reducing the monthly checkout limit to 4 items strikes the best balance. This adjustment allows us to continue offering Hoopla to our patrons while managing costs effectively.
Explore More Digital Options!
We understand that changes to Hoopla may affect your digital borrowing habits, but we are pleased to offer several other digital resources for you to explore:
Libby: Also commonly known as the Sunflower eLibrary, Libby provides a wide selection of eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines through the Libby app, powered by OverDrive. With thousands of titles across all genres, Libby provides a seamless, flexible reading experience on your device. Whether you’re commuting or relaxing at home, Libby makes it easy to borrow materials.
Kanopy: For film enthusiasts, Kanopy offers access to over 30,000 high-quality films, documentaries, and educational videos. From indie films to award-winning documentaries and children’s programming, there’s something for everyone. Each month, you can enjoy a set number of free play credits, all accessible with your library card.
cloudLibrary: cloudLibrary, through your State Library of Kansas ecard; offers a large selection of eBooks and audiobooks, including bestsellers, mysteries, and self-help titles. Read or listen to your books on your preferred device.
We understand that this change may impact your digital borrowing habits, and we’re here to help you make the most of our available resources. If you have any concerns or would like to share your thoughts, please feel free to share them through our Feedback Submission section below. Our team values your input and is here to assist you in finding materials or using other library services. Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we work to maintain a balanced, diverse, and sustainable digital collection.
Online Resources at a Glance
| Resources | Audience | Checkout Details | Mobile App Available | State Library Card Required | Available in Catalog* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BookFlix Children's literature | Children | Titles are always available with no limits |  |  | |
| cloudLibrary eBooks and Audiobooks | Everyone | 10 checkouts at a time with holds - purchase requests accepted | | | |
| Comics Plus | Everyone | Titles are always available with no limits | | | |
| Freading eBook and Audiobooks | Everyone | 5 checkouts per week with no holds | | | |
| hoopla eBooks, Audiobooks, and misc. | Everyone | 4 checkouts per month with no holds - Kids Mode | | | |
| Kanopy Videos and Documentaries | Everyone | 30 tickets per month with no holds - Kids Mode | | | |
| Libby/Sunflower/OverDrive eBooks and Audiobooks | Everyone | 5 checkouts at a time with holds - Kids Mode purchase requests accepted | | | |
| LOTE4Kids Children's literature | Children | Titles are always available with no limits | | | |
| O'Reilly for Public Libraries eBooks and Videos | Adults | Titles are always available with no limits | | | |
| PressReader Magazines and Periodicals | Adults | Titles are always available with no limits | | | |
*Any item in this section with a checkmark can be found in our online catalog. Otherwise, materials can be found directly through the resource’s app or website.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the reduction in Hoopla checkouts affect my overall library experience?
While the monthly checkout limit for Hoopla is changing from 5 to 4 items, we want to assure you that your overall library experience will remain rich and diverse. You can still enjoy a wide range of digital content across our various platforms, including Libby, Kanopy, and cloudLibrary, which offer thousands of eBooks, audiobooks, and films. Be sure to check out our Online Resources page for further details.
How do I get started with these resources?
To get started, you’ll need an active library card. Visit our library’s website and look for the Online Resources section. There, you’ll find links to each platform, simply click on which resource you are ready to explore. Some resources may require you to sign up for a State eCard, which we can assist you with in person, over the phone, via our website chat feature, or by email. If you need assistance, our librarians are always happy to help you get set up. Come see us today or visit our Contact Us page.
Will I still have access to new releases and popular titles?
The change in checkout limits shouldn’t impact your access to new releases and popular titles. However, availability of certain titles may be influenced by factors beyond our control, such as publisher restrictions, prices that exceed our cost-per-circulation cap, or cases where publishers don’t have a contract to make their titles available on Hoopla.
If a particular title isn’t available on Hoopla, we encourage you to explore our other digital resources, like Libby and cloudLibrary, or consult with our librarians for alternative options. Our goal is to provide the best possible access to materials, and we’re continually working to improve our digital offerings to meet community needs.
What resource would be best to find content for children?
For young readers, especially those in pre-K through 3rd grade, BookFlix is an excellent resource. It pairs animated storybooks with related nonfiction eBooks, helping to build a love of reading and learning. Additionally, Libby and cloudLibrary offer extensive children’s sections with eBooks and audiobooks for various age groups. Kanopy also has a dedicated kids’ section with educational videos and animated stories.
As a taxpayer who values Hoopla, how are my contributions supporting the library’s services?
We understand your concern, especially when changes are made to popular services. The adjustment to Hoopla’s checkout limit is part of our ongoing efforts to responsibly manage our budget while continuing to provide a wide range of services and resources for our community. Your tax dollars support:
- A diverse collection of physical materials, including books, magazines, movies, and video games, ensures that patrons have access to a variety of formats.
- A robust selection of digital resources, including platforms like Libby, Kanopy, and Hoopla, offer thousands of eBooks, audiobooks, films, and more.
- Engaging library programs and services for all ages that foster community involvement and learning.
- Maintenance and enhancement of library facilities to provide a welcoming environment for all patrons.
- Ongoing training and professional development for staff to improve service delivery and support patrons effectively.
The decision to adjust Hoopla’s limit allows us to continue offering this valuable service while ensuring we can fund other essential library resources and initiatives. Our goal is to provide the best possible library experience for our community within our budgetary constraints. Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we work to maintain a balanced, diverse, and sustainable digital collection.
Feedback Submission
We value your feedback! If you have thoughts or concerns about the recent changes to Hoopla, please share them with us here. Your input helps us tailor our services to better meet the needs of our community. Thank you for taking the time to reach out!