The Library (BLRL) Pivots Online Services Dropping Hoopla & Expanding Libby

The Barry-Lawrence Regional Library (BLRL) announced today it will discontinue the Hoopla streaming service on June 30th 2026, reinvesting those funds into the Libby (OverDrive) platform.

This decision follows legislative changes to property taxes that have created an insecure funding environment for many service providers, including the library. To remain responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars, BLRL is transitioning away from Hoopla’s expensive "pay-per-use" model, which often forced daily budget caps that locked patrons out of the service by mid-morning.

"We empathize with our patrons who enjoy Hoopla, but its ever-growing costs are no longer sustainable," said Gina Milburn, Library Director. "By shifting resources to Libby, we eliminate daily shut-offs and provide a more stable, high-quality collection for everyone in Barry and Lawrence counties."

Benefits of the Enhanced Libby Service:

• 24/7 Availability: No more daily budget caps; Libby is always open.

• Shorter Wait Times: Reallocated funds will be used to purchase more copies of trending e-books and audiobooks.

• Better Value: BLRL will "own" its digital titles, building a permanent collection rather than paying for temporary rentals.

• Device Support: Libby offers superior integration with Kindle and automotive systems like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

BLRL staff are available at all branches to help patrons learn the Libby app. For more information or to get started using the Libby App, click the links below.

https://www.blrlibrary.com/services