Hoopla & Kanopy with be Sunset on June 30th
Statement about Sunsetting of Services
At the Portage Lake District Library, we are always looking for ways to enhance the value and experience of our resources. After careful review, we have made the decision to transition away from our Hoopla and Kanopy subscriptions due to rising costs using the pay-per-checkout lending model. While we know this may be disappointing for some of our patrons, we remain optimistic about providing new opportunities ahead for our digital offerings.
This change reflects a broader trend where libraries across the country are re-evaluating their pay-per-checkout lending model subscriptions due to similar challenges. The Library is dedicated to providing our community with a wide range of quality digital content, and we’re thrilled to continue doing so through platforms like Libby and Michigan eLibrary (MeL).
It’s important to remember that the library service model has always been one of collective sharing and taking turns borrowing. This sometimes means longer wait periods for very popular titles. Our knowledgeable staff members are available to help you navigate our existing resources and find the titles you are looking for.
We remain hopeful for the future and will monitor any potential pricing changes with Hoopla and Kanopy. Should Hoopla adjust their lending model to better align with library budgets, we’ll be happy to reconsider offering services again in the future. Thank you for your understanding and continued support!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Portage Lake District Library sunsetting Hoopla and Kanopy?
Although it has been free for patrons to use, Hoopla and Kanopy’s pay-per-checkout lending model means PLDL is charged a fee ($1 to $3) every time a title is checked out. Because both resources use this model as opposed to a flat subscription fee, libraries pay more for increase use. This model is unsustainable and makes it difficult to properly budget for all of the resources and materials PLDL aims to provide to patrons.
In the last 6 months, an average of 116 unique patrons per month accessed Hoopla and 17 patrons for Kanopy. PLDL has 4,830 registered borrowers. Presently, $6,000 is budgeted annually for Hoopla and Kanopy. These services account for 11.8% of the Library’s Materials budget for a service only 2.4% of our patrons are actively using.
The statistics above highlight why the pay-per-checkout lending model is unsustainable and makes it difficult to properly budget for the resources and materials PLDL aims to provide to all of our patrons.
Do I have to cancel or delete my account?
You do not need to cancel or delete your account. Access to Hoopla and Kanopy will end June 30th, 2025.
I borrowed titles in mid June. Will I still have access to the titles beyond the cut-off date?
If you’ve checked out a title, you should still be able to access it until the end of your borrowing period. Once your borrowing period is done, those titles will be returned.
Why do other libraries have Hoopla and Kanopy but PLDL doesn’t?
Other libraries have different funding structures than PLDL and may be able to afford to support the service.
Why do I have to wait so long for my holds on Libby?
It’s important to remember that the library service model has always been one of collective sharing and taking turns borrowing. This sometimes means longer wait periods for very popular titles. Another exciting thing to note is that PLDL is connected with 12 partner libraries – which expands offerings to our patrons to other consortiums in the state. This significantly expands the number of available titles and number of checkouts for our patrons!
Ask a staff member on how to add these partner libraries to expand your options and how to use the “Available Now” filter when browsing for titles available for immediate checkout.
Thank you again for your understanding as we move forward with enhancing our digital collections.
We are excited for the future and grateful for your continued support.
June 16, 2025 in Library News. Bookmark the permalink.