The Rochester Public Library is canceling access to one of its digital resources.
In an announcement, they said Hoopla use for city residents will be discontinued starting July 1. Hoopla is a popular digital service that allows library cardholders to borrow e-books, audiobooks, movies, television shows, comics, and music on demand.
The library cites rising digital costs and complications from Hoopla's pay-per-use model. That could be 99 cents per use of an e-book or $2.50 for a movie. Depending on how many borrowers did or didn’t use Hoopla, the monthly cost can vary wildly.
The Rochester Public Library said this variability makes it difficult to balance its budget.
Hoopla will still be available for residents in the following communities:
- Brighton
- Chili
- Fairport
- Gates
- Greece
- Ogden
- Penfield
- Pittsford
Many local libraries also offer access to Kanopy, a streaming service for international and indie movies, classic cinema, and documentaries. These include:
- Brighton Memorial Library
- East Rochester Public Library
- Fairport Public Library
- Gates Public Library
- Ogden Farmers’ Library
- Parma Public Library
- Penfield Public Library
- Pittsford Community Library
- Rush Public Library
- Webster Public Library
Cardholders can access e-books and audiobooks through Libby.
All New York state residents can still access Hoopla and other digital media through the New York Public Library system. Apply online, then email gethelp@nypl.org with proof of your New York address to verify your account remotely.
