Introducing hoopla!

The Caldwell Public Library is excited to introduce our newest digital resource, hoopla! Hoopla is a digital content platform for libraries, much like Overdrive/Libby. Just like those platforms, you can borrow eBooks, audio books, magazines, and comics/manga directly to your phone, tablet, or computer. But hoopla also offers music, TV, and movie streaming all for free under one convenient app. The only card number you have to put in to access everything is the one on your library card!

The TV and movie selection is excellent and one of the main reasons we wanted to offer the service. With the ubiquitous use of streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus, it was important to us that we offer a convenient and modern method of video lending to supplement our physical collection of DVDs and Blu-rays. Afterall, a library isn't just a repository of books, but a free access point for all sorts of media and art. Not only does it greatly expand the number of titles we can offer because we're not bound by shelf space, but it allows us to offer some older or more obscure titles that would simply not be possible to circulate physically.

But how does it work? Hoopla titles are instant access. Unlike Libby, which treats most titles like physical items and limits access to one patron at a time, hoopla offers simultaneous access. Basically, you're given seven lending credits every month which you can choose to use as you see fit. Hoopla can be accessed on PC or via an Android or iOS app. Many standalone streaming devices are also supported including Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung TV, Roku, and Chromecast. Multiple devices can be logged into from the same account, and there’s a kid's mode that limits content access behind a PIN.

Hoopla is an excellent addition to our digital collection that has something for everyone. Often, if it's not on Libby, it's on hoopla. Sign in, borrow something new, and find out what all the hoopla is about!