Hoopla FAQ
Hoopla authentication requirements have changed! If you have used Hoopla before, you will need to update your Library Information.
Changes to Hoopla
On November 1, 2025, changes to how you access and borrow items in Hoopla will go into effect. These changes will allow us to continue to support Hoopla as it continues to grow in popularity.
- Users will now be required to login with their library account password when accessing Hoopla. If you have signed into Hoopla before, you will need to update your Library Information settings to add your library account password before you can borrow more items.
- We are also implementing a daily spending limit for Hoopla services. Once this limit is met, no further checkouts will be available until the following day.
FAQs
- How do I update my Library Information in Hoopla?
- Hoopla is asking for a PIN. How do I get my PIN?
- How does the daily spending limit work?
- Why is there a daily spending limit?
- How do I know if I'm a Shrewsbury Resident?
- Are there borrowing limits for Hoopla?
- Can I read the eBook I checked out on Hoopla on my Kindle or other eReader?
- What's the difference between Hoopla and Libby?
How do I update my Library Information in Hoopla?
To change library settings on the Hoopla website:
- After logging in, select the Settings icon and chose the Settings option.
- Confirm you have selected Shrewsbury Public Library.
- Re-enter your library card number and PIN (this is the same as your library account password).
- Select Save.
To change library settings on the Hoopla app:
- After logging in, select the Settings icon.
- Under Library, confirm you have selected Shrewsbury Public Library.
- Re-enter your library card number and PIN (this is the same as your library account password).
- Select Save.
Hoopla is asking for a PIN. How do I get my PIN?
Your PIN is the same as your library account password. If you've forgotten your account password, you can reset it online using the Reset My Password tool.
How does the daily spending limit work?
We allocate a specific amount of our budget each day to pay for content on Hoopla; as our users check out content on Hoopla, this amount is spent. Once we've hit the limit of the budget, no check outs will be available until the next day. You may see an error message when you try to check out an item if the daily spending limit has been met.
This limit is set at the library level, and does not impact your personal borrowing limit.
Why is there a daily spending limit?
Hoopla uses a cost-per-use model, which charges the library for each check out in Hoopla. The daily budget limit helps the library better predict our spending to ensure that Hoopla remains available to our users throughout the year by allocating portion of our budget for each day.
How do I know if I'm a Shrewsbury resident?
When you sign up to use Hoopla, it checks with our system to find out which library is your home library. Your home library is determined by your home address. If the address in your library account is located in Shrewsbury, MA, your home library is the Shrewsbury Public Library.
We currently only offer Hoopla to residents of Shrewsbury with an active Shrewsbury Public Library card. If you do not live in Shrewsbury, we recommend checking with your home library to see if they offer Hoopla.
Are there borrowing limits for Hoopla?
Yes. You can check out 6 items on Hoopla each month. If you've used all of your check outs for the month, you can check out available eBook and audiobook titles on Libby, or try out Kanopy for films and TV.
Can I read the eBook I checked out on Hoopla on my Kindle or other eReader?
No. Due to publisher imposed restrictions and limitations on the Hoopla platform, Hoopla eBooks can only be read on the Hoopla website or mobile app.
Libby, a different eBook platform, allows you to send eBooks to your Kindle or other eReader, and allows you to filter for eBooks that can be read on Kindle, or downloaded and viewed on other eReaders.
What's the difference between Hoopla and Libby?
While Hoopla and Libby both offer eBooks and audiobooks, they both have different functions and logins. In addition to eBooks and audiobooks, Hoopla offers movies, TV shows, music, and other multimedia content. Hoopla has instant check outs, but it does have a limit to how many titles you can check out each month. With Hoopla, you can only watch, listen, or read the content you check out on their website or mobile app.
Libby is the library's primary eBook provider, and allows you to borrow eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines. Many of these books are part of a shared collection with the rest of CW MARS, although the library purchases copies of some eBooks and audiobooks to help reduce wait times for holds for our patrons. Libby does have a limit to how many eBooks and audiobooks you can check out or place on hold at one time, but no monthly limits. Libby also allows you to send your eBook to your Kindle or eReader, and read or listen to a sample to decide if you want to check something out.