Hoopla
How to get started with hoopla to
watch, listen, and read instantly with your library card
Getting started with hoopla
With hoopla, patrons can instantly borrow digital movies, TV shows, eBooks, audiobooks, and music. All you’ll need is a library card, and content can be accessed on any web browser, smart phone, or tablet. This is a great service for when you’re not able to physically come to the library to borrow the 55,000+ in-house books, movies, magazines, and audiobooks we offer (if, for instance, if there is a pandemic).
hoopla FAQs
What’s the difference between hoopla and CloudLibrary?
CloudLibrary, a service shared with 200+ other Maine libraries through Maine Infonet, provides access to e-books and downloadable audiobooks. Titles can only be checked out by one person at a time for a period of 3 weeks. If a desired item is checked out, one must place a request. This translates to very long (virtual) lines. For a particularly popular title, the (virtual) line is often upwards of 200+ people.
Hoopla also has e-books and downloadable audiobooks, but as a streaming media platform like Netflix or Hulu, its service includes music and movies as well. Unlike CloudLibrary, multiple people can have an item checked out at the very same time.
Is there a limit to how many items I can check out?
Library cardholders can check out up to four (4) electronic items per month (e.g. eBooks, eVideos, and eAudiobooks). After the checkout period has expired, it will no longer be available on your device.
Checkout periods are as follows:
eAudiobooks – 21 days
eBooks – 21 days
eMusic Titles – 7 days
eVideos (Movies and TV Shows) – 3 days
Please note: hoopla is offering expanded “bonus borrow” materials in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only do they not count against your monthly checkout limit, but they don’t cost the Library anything, either!
How do I borrow a title?
Click on a title you like and then click the blue “Borrow” button.
Can I place a hold on items?
There is no need for holds with hoopla Digital. Every title in its collection is available for check out 24/7. No lines, no waiting. Ever.
Can I renew a title?
Yes. The option to renew appears two days before the end of the borrowing period. A button will appear on the title screen with the option to renew the title. At this time, you can only use the renewal feature at hoopladigital.com. Please note that a renewal is the same as a “new borrow”, so a renewed title will count against your monthly limit.
How do I get started?
Sign up now by visiting hoopladigital.com. Questions about how to get started? Watch this video (below) and check out hoopla’s help page.