We're not able to lend out our 55,000+ in-house books, movies, magazines or audiobooks right now (thank you COVID-19). What we CAN do, however, is provide access to their digital counterparts!
Last week, we announced our new platform, RBdigital, which gives cardholders access to thousands of magazines online. Today, we're thrilled to launch hoopla, a digital media service that allows you to borrow movies, music, audiobooks, eBooks, comics and TV shows on your computer, tablet, or phone – and even your TV! All you'll need is your library card.
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 ten (10) 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.
Questions about how to get started? Watch this video (right) and check out hoopla's help page.
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Reading and watching movies have long been favorite means of escape, but given the extraordinary circumstances in which we find ourselves, we’re hoping to help combat the effects of social distancing and isolation so many of us are feeling.
ENJOY!
- York Public Library
P.S. We miss you.
Pssst....
These amazing services - hoopla, RBdigital, and Tumblebooks - are not without cost, and not purchases the Library had planned to make.
We have done our best to get creative within the confines of a limited budget. In order to make the investment in this digital content possible, we re-allocated this year's remaining funds for books, DVDs, newspapers and other materials. As the purchase was unexpected, it wasn't in the current budget - but it's not in next year's budget either. Assuming you enjoy these fun, new services... assuming they help keep you sane through social distancing and beyond... Won't you consider helping to fund their future by making a donation?
Hoopla is a pay-per-circulation service that we estimate will cost $10,000 per year just on its own. A contribution - in any amount - will help fund its future. Donations may be made online or by mailing a check to York Public Library at 15 Long Sands Road, York, ME 03909.