HPL to Discontinue Hoopla Digital  

Hedberg Public Library to Discontinue Hoopla Digital, Refocus on Sustainable Digital Access Through Libby  

Hedberg Public Library (HPL), a member of the Prairie Lakes Library System (PLLS), will discontinue access to Hoopla Digital on December 30, 2025, following a detailed system-wide cost and usage review.  

Hoopla Digital is a streaming platform that lets library patrons instantly borrow eBooks, audiobooks, movies, and music. However, the service operates primarily under a pay-per-use model—one of the most expensive licensing structures available to libraries. As Hoopla’s popularity grew, so did its costs—making the service financially unsustainable on a consortium level. 

“Our libraries take very seriously the responsibility of stretching every budget dollar to serve local readers,” said Steve Ohs, Director of PLLS. “As much as we value what Hoopla offers, its pricing model simply isn’t sustainable in the long run.”  

Libraries across the Prairie Lakes Library System—and throughout Wisconsin—will continue to offer Wisconsin’s Digital Library, more commonly known by the name Libby (by OverDrive). Libby provides access to thousands of eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines using a variety of licensing models that make the service far more affordable for libraries. Libby functions more like a traditional library: most titles can be checked out by one patron at a time and placed on hold by others. At the same time, Lucky Day Collections, Skip-the-Line Books, and digital magazines allow for instant access with no waiting.  

A new five-year plan adopted by PLLS and its member libraries will significantly increase funding for Libby/OverDrive purchases starting in 2026, helping to shorten wait times and fulfill local reading preferences. To further reduce wait times, Hedberg Public Library will reallocate Hoopla funds to secure additional copies of popular titles in Libby/OverDrive that will be exclusively available to HPL cardholders. 

"Being able to apply limited budget funds to Libby/OverDrive for Hedberg Public Library patrons will provide a more cost effective and equitable way to fill the ever-growing need for popular eBooks and audiobooks,” said Charles Teval, HPL Assistant Library Director and Collection Manager.    

After December 30, 2025, Hedberg Public Library cardholders will no longer have access to Hoopla through Prairie Lakes libraries. Items borrowed before that date will remain available for the remainder of their normal loan period. HPL cardholders who wish to save their Hoopla borrowing history can log in to My Hoopla → History and copy or screenshot their list before service ends.