To support equitable access for all Oak Park residents and ensure responsible use of library funds, we’re changing the number of monthly Hoopla borrows.
Starting September 1, the monthly borrow limit will change from 10 to 5. The majority of Hoopla users (77%) borrow five or fewer items each month and will not be affected by this change.
For those who will be impacted, please know library staff are here to offer support and helpful alternatives—like Hoopla BingePasses and Bonus Borrows—and other digital collections like Libby and Kanopy. (Learn how to get the most out of your digital library below.)
Please know this is not a decision we take lightly. Libraries across the country—including many in our area—have made similar changes to Hoopla borrowing limits to help manage costs and preserve long-term access. We’re making this change for the same reasons.
- Hoopla operates on a cost-per-use model, meaning the library pays for each item borrowed.
- Since 2019, Oak Park’s usage has increased by 105% and continues to grow, with an average of 112 new accounts created each month.
- A new monthly pricing cap will help us better predict costs and stay within budget.
Together, these changes allow us to manage rising use while keeping the service sustainable and accessible for as many people as possible.
Additionally, this update helps us balance costs while continuing to invest in a broad range of digital resources for the entire community—including our most-used app, Libby (which has 45% more users than Hoopla).
Thank you for your understanding as we work to be responsible stewards of public funds and to support sustainable, equitable access for everyone in Oak Park.
Have questions? We’re here to help! Contact us.
Get the most out of your digital library
Expand and extend your monthly Hoopla usage with BingePasses and Bonus Borrows. Plus, explore other digital resources—especially Libby and Kanopy—for even more digital content.
BingePasses = Unlimited streaming for seven days with one borrow
Enjoy seven days of on-demand digital access. Get digital magazines, movies, puzzles, comics, podcasts, ebooks, documentaries, video courses, and more.
Some popular BingePasses include:
- Hallmark Movies Now: Original series, movies, and holiday favorites featuring beloved Hallmark stars.
- The Great Courses: In-depth video courses on everything from art to zoology.
- Ken Burns Collection: Acclaimed documentaries like The Civil War, Jazz, and The National Parks.
- Medici.tv: Concerts, operas, ballets, and jazz performances from world-class venues.
- PBS Kids: Educational programs for children ages 2–8 with diverse and positive role models.
- Curiosity Stream: Thousands of science, history, and nature documentaries—including a dedicated Curiosity KIDS section.
Bonus Borrows = Free borrows
No borrows? No problem! Titles in Hoopla’s Bonus Borrows program don’t count against your limit, and they’re available for the last seven days of each month.
Even if you’ve reached your monthly borrowing limit, you can enjoy a curated selection of TV shows, movies, comics, manga, ebooks, audiobooks, and BingePasses.
At the end of each month, find the Bonus Borrows collection highlighted in the Hoopla app.
Have questions? We’re here to help! Contact us.