Grand Island, Neb. — Growing popularity of the digital service hoopla® through the Grand Island Public Library is leading to another subtle change starting in December.
Currently, patrons of the library can use hoopla® ten times per month, but effective December 1, the limit will be reduced to seven times per month. The move is to help make sure usage of the library’s digital audiobook and eBook services is more equitable for all patrons.
Hoopla has taken off at GIPL, offering patrons the ability to check out eBooks, eAudiobooks, eComics, videos and music. However, it’s also a free service offered by the library that needs to stay within the city budget.
Libraries are charged a fee for each item a patron checks out. Prices vary depending on what type of item is checked out, but each checkout averages a little less than $3 per checkout.
“We understand that setting up a monthly limit may inconvenience some users,” Grand Island Public Library Director Celine Swan said. “However, it is necessary to maintain a sustainable level of usage for our entire Library community.”
The Library also offers Libby as an alternative e-source for patrons.