Feb 09, 2018 back to Hoopla’s menu swipe your finger from the top of the screen down to reveal the ‘back’ button on your device. Select the ‘back’ button to return to Hoopla’s menu. HELP. Having trouble? Email eContentLibrarian@kckpl.org for additional help. Find helpful troubleshooting tips and tricks on Hoopla’s support page.

When getting out of debt we need to look at all areas of your finances to try and save money. Cutting cable is an obvious answer as it can save you a couple thousand dollars a year. So, what do you replace it with? Well, Netflix and Hulu are options but still involve a monthly fee and those can have commercials. In this Hoopla Digital App Review, I will show you how we recently discovered this and why we are loving it.

Hoopla Digital App

Hoopla Digital is an app that allows you to stream movies, televisions shows, audiobooks, music and read eBooks and comics for free. It is available on multiple platforms such as your TV, computer, phone and tablet depending on what type of media you are accessing.

So, why is it free?

It is free because it a service paid for by your local public library. Just as they pay money for physical books, DVDs and music, they also pay for access to these titles. So, while nothing is truly free in life, this is free for you to use.

The library is a great life hack. We have used it increasingly more and more to help save us money on books and DVDs. It is also a great place to take our kids for story time too.

We realized though that we weren’t using the library to its full potential. My wife came across Hoopla Digital and easily set it up on all our devices in minutes. Then, we saw what a great resource it was and it was all free.

As noted on Wikipedia, there are over 500,000 content titles spread between the six type of formats previously mentioned.

How To Stream Movies For Free

Signing up for hoopla is easy. The most critical step is to make sure you have a valid library card from your local library. The Phoenix Public Library is our local library system and that’s how we were introduced to Hoopla. If you don’t have a library card, why not make it a free outing this weekend!

Please note not all libraries offer Hoopla, but many of them do. When you sign-up just enter your zip code or city name and a list of participating libraries will appear. Once you have a library card the remaining steps are as easy as can be. Simply complete the following steps and you’re good to go!

Click here to find out if your local library offers Hoopla as a service.

Hoopla Registration

1. Navigate to https://www.hoopladigital.com/
2. Click “get started today”
3. Create your login information, select your local library
4. Enter your library card information
5. You’re registered!

How Does Hoopla Work

Hoopla can be enjoyed in many different ways and on different devices. No matter which device you use you can simply search for the app “hoopla”, download, and login! See the image below for all the compatible devices.

1. TV – You can watch movies and TVs shows directly on your TV assuming you have a compatible device. We have an Amazon FireStick and we downloaded the Hoopla app on that device. Hoopla is also available on similar devices like Roku and Apple TV. Downloading and using the app is just as easy as other streaming services like Netflix or Hulu.
2. Mobile Phone – You can also download Hoopla on your phone and it’s compatible with both Android and iPhone. I personally prefer to use my phone for audiobooks. You can also read eBooks and stream video from your phone as well. It’s an easy and compact way to access digital content from your library.
3. iPads and Tablets – Similar to your mobile phone, you can also access your Hoopla media from your tablet. Hoopla works on iPads and other tablets including some kindle devices. Just like your mobile phone, the app allows you to access all your digital content, including video, eBooks, and audiobooks.

Download Hoopla To Your Devices

As you can see, Hoopla offers its content on many devices. It’s highly likely that you’ll have at least one device that’s compatible with Hoopla. Seriously, try this today! Getting the library card is probably your biggest hurdle! I had heard of Hoopla previously and once I finally downloaded it I was really glad I did. Frankly, I wish I had done it sooner. They have a lot of content!

As a side note, I discovered they had the documentary, “The Men Who Built America”. This title was previously available on Netflix, but unfortunately, we never had the chance to finish it before it expired from their list of offerings. As I was browsing the titles it happened to pop up!

No need to pay to rent or buy that now. Why spend your hard-earned money on a movie or book when you don’t have to? Put it towards debt instead! If in doubt, search your library and see if they have that title available. You really can’t beat free!

Hoopla Pros And Cons

Pros

• It’s free!
• It’s available on all major devices.
• It offers a variety of content types.
• For viewing comics, Hoopla has a special “Action View,” which shows one panel at a time to prevent zooming in and out of multiple panels.
• You can download a title to your device to watch/listen to later when you don’t have access to the internet.

Cons

• You are limited to a certain amount of titles you can checkout per month.
• Not available in all library systems.
• You need a library card. This is less of a problem, but if you don’t already have one it is an extra step when registering.
• Do not support Smart TVs

To further expand on why the amount you can check out is limited, it is because each title checked out costs the library. Therefore, they need to limit their spending. It might seem wasteful, but keep in mind as libraries switch from physical products to digital products, this clearly is a great way for them to lower overall operating costs and increase the options available to the taxpayers and users.

The actual amount you can checkout varies per library system, but for your information, we can checkout 10 per month in Phoenix. That seems to be typical in most places, but I have also seen as low as 5 per month.

If that isn’t enough, then you can easily have one account per library card holder. So, my wife and I can each have one and our kids can each as well. We found that those episodes of Paw Patrol go really fast!

I found this image above on the Hoopla Digital website showing the Seattle Public Library by the Architecture firm OMA. As an Architect myself, this makes me love Hoopla more! Definitely a ‘pro’ in my book and a must-see building!

Hoopla Digital App Review

It is easy for me to recommend the Hoopla Digital app to you. There really is no downside. It is free and convenient to use. It allows you to expand the content available to you if you combine it with Netflix or Hulu. You can even get rid of cable entirely and use this as part of your replacement strategy for saving money.

When we paid off $107K of debt in 33 months cutting cable was one of the first things we did. That single move saved us thousands of dollars. I know I am excited to finish the “The Men Who Built America” finally since I think we were still in debt when we started it!

Seriously though, even if you don’t use it that much, you should have Hoopla set up on all your devices. It is a no brainer!

What is an eBook?

An eBook is an electronic (or digital) version of a book which can be checked out and viewed on an eReader (such as a Kindle or Nook), other mobile devices (such as a tablet or smartphone), or your computer or laptop.

Can I download eBooks to my iPad, iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Nook, or other mobile device?

Yes! Gloucester County Library System (GCLS) has subscriptions to Overdrive(via South Jersey Audiobook and eBook Download Center) and Hoopla.

Please note: for Nook devices only the Nook HD models and Samsung Galaxy Nook models are able to download the apps for Overdrive and Hoopla.

Can I download eBooks to my Kindle?

Kindle users can checkout and download eBooks from Overdriveand Hoopla to your Kindle device.

How many downloadable items can I check out at one time?

8 items at a time via Overdrive.

Hoopla's checkout limit is also 8 items per month.

How long can I keep them?

Overdrive: eBooks checkout for 2 weeks

Hoopla: eBooks checkout for 3 weeks

Can they be renewed prior to their return / expiration date?

Overdrive: Yes, however, eBooks can only be renewed 3 days before their expiration date. If an eBook has holds on it, you cannot renew it, but you can go back on the request list for it.

Hoopla: No renewals. To get another title again, you must borrow it again after it expires.

Why am I getting an error when I try to login or download eBooks that says my privilege has expired?

Most library card privileges expire in 2 years. To reactivate your library card and resume downloading eResources, visit any GCLS branch library with a valid form of photo ID that has your current address on it, such as a driver's license. For a temporary extension of one month, send an email to ebooks@gcls.org. Please note that you still must appear at a GCLS library with valid ID before your temporary extension ends to renew your privilege officially.

I am having trouble finding and downloading the Overdrive and/or Hoopla app on my Nook. Why is this?

How Do You Download From Hoopla

On March 16th 2016, Barnes and Noble disbanded the Nook Store. All affected devices will no longer be able to download apps. If you previously purchased apps, they will remain on your device, however, they will no longer receive updates. This affects the following Nook models: Nook Color, Nook Tablet, Nook HD, Nook HD+, Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Nook 7.0, Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Nook 10.1, Samsung Galaxy Tab E Nook, Samsung Tab Galaxy S2 Nook.

However, the Google Play Store will replace the Nook Store on selected devices. Through the Play Store, you will be able to download apps like Overdrive and Hoopla. The following devices have access to the Google Play Store: Nook HD, Nook HD+, Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Nook 7.0, Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Nook 10.1, Samsung Galaxy Tab E Nook, Samsung Galaxy S2 Nook. However, the Nook Color, Nook Tablet, and any other models not mentioned here will not have access to the Play Store and are unable to download the apps.

Where can I get help with Overdrive?

Extensive Help Documentation is available on theOverdrive(via the South Jersey Audiobook and eBook Download Center)website. This Help section describes how to use the site, the Adobe Digital Editions software, the Overdrive Media Console, which devices are compatible with Overdrive eBooks, and more.

For more information about the Overdrive Media Console™ andcompatible devices and eBook formats, see the Overdrive Media Console website.

If you require technical assistance, you can also contact library eBook tech support through our Overdrive technical support page.

Where can I get help with Hoopla?

Extensive Help Documentation is available on the Hoopla site. This FAQ describes how to use the site, borrow materials, which devices are supported, and more.

There are also guides to help get you started with using Hoopla. The eBook Basics Visual Guide introduces you to using all of our eBook services. Are you planning to use Hoopla's app on a mobile device? We also have the Hoopla App Quick Guide to get you started. There are even video walkthroughs available on Hoopla's website.

If you require technical assistance, you can also contact library eBook tech support at ebooks@gcls.org.

Where can I get help with EBSCOhost and Gale eBooks?

For EBSCOhost, extensive Help Documentation is available on the EBSCOhost site. This FAQ describes how to use the site, what devices are compatible with EBSCOhost eBooks, and more.

For Gale, extensive Help Documentation is available on the Gale site. This FAQ describes how to use the site, what devices are compatible with Gale eBooks, and more.

If you require technical assistance, you can also contact library eBook tech support at ebooks@gcls.org.

Are there other sources for free ebooks?

Baen Free Library (http://www.baen.com/library/)
Free Fantasy and Science Fiction books from Baen.
Formats available: MOBI, ePUB, Sony, HTML, and others

Feedbooks (http://feedbooks.com)
Feedbooks offers thousands of public domain and original ebooks from new authors.
Formats available: MOBI, ePUB, PDF

How To Download Hoopla Audiobooks

Internet Archive(http://archive.org)
Internet Archive is a non-profit dedicated to offering permanent access to historical collections that exist in digital format. Provides over 2.5 million free ebooks to read, download, and enjoy.
Formats available: MOBI, ePUB, PDF, and others

ManyBooks.net (http://manybooks.net)
ManyBooks.net provides free ebooks as a service to the Internet community at large.
Formats available: Kindle, MOBI, ePUB, Sony, HTML, and others

Project Gutenberg (http://gutenberg.org)
Project Gutenberg, one of the original sources of free ebooks, is dedicated to the creation and distribution of eBooks.
Formats available: MOBI, ePUB, PDF, and others

What are the major ebook stores? (Paid and Free Content)

Amazon Kindle Store (http://www.amazon.com)
eBooks in Kindle eReader file format that can be read on some other devices (iPad, iPhone, PC, Mac, Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone 7) using the Kindle Reader software.

Google Play Store (https://play.google.com/store/books)
Offers ebooks for Android, iPad, iPhone, Nook, Sony. eBooks can also be read on the web.

Kobo Books Store (https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/)
eBooks for Kobo eReader devices.

What are the most common eReader file formats and how do I know which ones my reader supports?

What other kinds of eBooks does the library currently offer?

Gloucester County Library System offers three additional collections of electronic materials. These collections are available from the GCLS eReference Center (http://www.gcls.org/eReference)

• Gale Virtual Reference Library is a collection of reference books that can be searched like a database. They cannot be downloaded or transferred to a reading device.
• A collection of eBooks and eAudiobooks is available on EBSCOhost. The eBooks are mostly nonfiction reference books. Most EBSCOhost eBooks are read online and cannot be downloaded or transferred. The ebooks that are available to download are in Adobe Protected PDF format, and can be transferred to a Sony Reader or Barnes & Noble nook.

How long can I keep EBSCOhost ebooks?

EBSCOhost eBooks can be “checked out” for seven days.

Do I need a library card to checkout eBooks?

Yes, you need a Gloucester County Library System library card.

Do I have to download software to access eBooks?

How Do I Download From Hoopla To Mac Free

Yes and no. If you are using the mobile app for Overdrive or Hoopla, no additional software download is required. If you would like to read an eBook on your computer or laptop, this depends on where you borrowed the eBook from.

In Overdrive, if you would like to download an eBook to read offline, your computer or laptop will need Overdrive Media Console or Adobe Digital Editions. However, you can read in your web browser without downloading any software by choosing 'Read (in your browser) on your bookshelf.

In Hoopla, no additional software is needed. You will read your eBooks directly in your web browser.

Download Hoopla On Computer

How Do I Download From Hoopla To Mac Desktop

In EBSCOhost, no additional software is needed. You will read eBooks directly in your web browser.

In Gale, no additional software is needed. You will read eBooks directly in your web browser.