After thoughtful consideration, and passing of a balanced budget for the 2026 fiscal year, Joplin Public Library (JPL) has made the difficult decision to discontinue their hoopla service, effective October 31, 2025.
Why is Joplin Public Library discontinuing hoopla?
Like many libraries across the country, JPL found that hoopla’s pay-per-use model is no longer sustainable, especially as demand grows. Although it’s free for patrons to use, hoopla’s pricing model means JPL is charged a fee for every item that is checked out. Because of this, to stay within budget, JPL has had to restrict monthly and daily usage of the hoopla service. This has severely impacted the number of patrons able to use hoopla.
JPL remains committed to providing robust and sustainable digital services. JPL believes that their resources are better used for other digital content, such as OverDrive/Libby (which covers eBooks, Audio Books, comics, and magazines) and Kanopy (which includes streaming movies and television. These more affordable services allow JPL to stay within budget while still providing patrons with the digital materials they need and want.
Additionally, JPL strives to keep their physical collection up to date and accessible.
To Give You an Idea of the Numbers…
JPL routinely evaluates their collections and services to make sure that they are providing their patrons with beneficial collections in the most cost-effective manner possible. They have found that:
- Only 4% of JPL’s active cardholders are able to use hoopla per month;
- hoopla accounts for 15% of JPL’s digitally circulated materials, such as ebooks, audiobooks, and other entertainment.
- Meanwhile, hoopla consumes approximately 78% of the library system’s budget for digitally circulated materials.
In contrast, three times the number of patrons use OverDrive/Libby per month and accounts for 80% of JPL’s digitally circulated materials, with only 15% of the budget.
I’m a hoopla user — what do I need to do?
If you need a list of titles you’ve checked out through hoopla, you will need to either write down the titles or take a screenshot of the items in your hoopla history. Because of Missouri privacy laws, the Library does not have access to this information. Find your checkout history by going to the hoopla app, select “My hoopla,” select “History,” and write down or take a screenshot of the information.
hoopla access will end on October 31, 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.
Where can I find e-books and audiobooks?
MissouriLibraries2Go — Borrow ebooks, audiobooks, comics, and magazines to read on your phone or tablet using the Libby app by OverDrive. You can even send and read your borrowed eBooks to your Kindle eReader (U.S. only)! It’s free and easy to get started for new users!
- Open Libby in the Browser
- Download Libby — You can now download the app on the Kindle Fire!
- Getting Started With Libby
- Libby Help
- Libby Life blog – For your love of books & reading | OverDrive
But the wait time for Libby is so long!
JPL understands the major appeal of hoopla is being able to get the title you want immediately. As part of the MissouriLibraries2Go consortium on OverDrive/Libby, the Library is one of many Missouri libraries that pool their money to purchase titles for patrons.
By discontinuing hoopla, JPL will be able to reallocate funds to purchase additional titles on OverDrive/Libby for just JPL patrons or move JPL patrons to the top of the holds list to reduce wait time. JPL feels this will be a more efficient use of these funds to help patrons get the materials they want. It’s important to note that putting books on hold through Libby will help Library staff know where they should be directing these funds!
JPL encourages patrons to take advantage of the “Available Now” feature on Libby to browse books and audiobooks that are available for immediate checkout or the selection of “Always Available” titles under Guides.
What if MissouriLibraries2Go doesn’t have what I want?
Use the “Notify Me” to tell JPL about e-books, audiobooks, and comic that aren’t in MissouriLibraries2Go. If the item is purchased, the system will place you on hold.
Where can I stream movies and television?
Kanopy is a video-streaming platform dedicated to thoughtful and though-provoking films.
How can I watch Kanopy?
You can stream Kanopy on any of your favorite devices! It’s available on mobile and tablet apps for iPhone and Android. You can also access Kanopy on your desktop and SmartTV apps like Roku, Apple TV, and Fire Stick. To create an account:
- To get started, visit Kanopy and select “Add Library Card” button on the lower left.
- Enter your library card credentials.
- Create an account using your preferred email.
- Begin streaming!
What other digital content does JPL offer?
Flipster, which is a next-generation digital magazine distribution service that allows users to access their favorite magazines from a variety of publishers through their local libraries. It’s accessible via a web browser or custom apps made specifically for Apple devices, Android devices, and the Kindle Fire tablet with Flipster users can download magazines to read offline, anytime, anywhere.
How can I get help with digital resources?
As you switch from using hoopla to Libby and/or Kanopy, please do not hesitate to contact the Library’s Reference Department at 417.624.5465.
For more information, please contact Lori Crockett by phone at 417.623.7953 or email at lcrockett@joplinpubilclibrary.org.
About Joplin Public Library:
Since 1902, JPL has been fulfilling the information needs of citizens of Joplin and the surrounding community. JPL opens tomorrow’s doors today through diverse opportunities to learn, create, explore, and have fun.
Reference:
Lori Crockett, PR and Marketing Assistant
Joplin Public Library
417.623.7953, ext. 1019
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