Hoopla: Movies, TV shows, music, audios, eBooks & comics.

Post Audiobooks eBooks Music Movies & TV

As of September 30, 2024, Hoopla service will end. After careful consideration, Carmel Public Library will be discontinuing the hoopla streaming service. See below for details.

Why is Carmel Public Library (CPL) discontinuing hoopla?

Although it is free for patrons to use, Hoopla’s cost-per-circulation model means CPL gets charged a fee for every time an item is checked out. Because Hoopla uses this model as opposed to a flat subscription fee, libraries pay more for increased use. This model is unsustainable and makes it difficult to properly budget for all of the resources and materials CPL aims to provide to customers.

CPL routinely evaluates our collections and services to make sure we are providing our patrons with the best of both in the most cost-efficient manner possible.  We have found that hoopla consumes over 1/2 of the library’s eMaterial budget.

CPL believes that our resources are more effectively used towards purchasing more in-demand content through other platforms such as OverDrive/Libby (eBooks, eAudiobooks, comics, magazines) and Kanopy (streaming movies and television).  These services allow CPL to more easily control spending while still providing customers with the digital materials they need and want.

I’m a hoopla user – what do I need to do?

Before September 30, 2024, if you want a list of the titles you’ve checked out through Hoopla or that you have on your favorites/wishlist, you’ll need to either write down the titles or take a screenshot of the items in your Hoopla history.  Because of California customer privacy laws, CPL does not have access to this information.

Find your checkout history by going to the Hoopla app; select “My hoopla”; select “Complete History”; write down or take a screenshot of the titles.

Where can I find eBooks and eAudiobooks?

Northern California Digital Library (NCDL) Borrow ebooks, audiobooks, comics, and magazines to read on your phone or tablet using the Libby app by OverDrive. You can even send and read your borrowed eBooks to your Kindle eReader (U.S. only)! It’s free and easy to get started for new users and a streamlined experience for current OverDrive app users.

What if NCDL doesn’t have what I want?

Use Notify Me to tell us about eBooks, eAudiobooks, and comics not in NCDL.  If the item is purchased, the system will place you on hold.

But holds lists can be so long on Libby!

By discontinuing Hoopla, CPL will be able to purchase additional titles on Libby to reduce wait time. Because we are part of the NCDL consortium, CPL customers may also borrow titles owned by other libraries/library systems in the consortium, further helping to meet demand.

Where can I stream movies and television?

Kanopy – Kanopy is a video-streaming platform dedicated to thoughtful and thought-provoking films. Additionally, we are providing unlimited access to children’s titles through Kanopy Kids.

How can I watch Kanopy?

You can stream Kanopy on any of your favorite devices! Kanopy is accessible via mobile and tablet apps for iPhone and Android. You can also access Kanopy on your Desktop, and SmartTV apps like Roku, Apple TV, and Fire Stick.

How to create an account

  • To get started, visit https://www.kanopy.com/en/hmlcarmel  and select the “Add Library Card” button on the lower left
  • Enter your library card credentials
  • Create an account using your preferred email
  • Begin streaming!

What other digital content does CPL offer?

The Palace Project – Access eBooks and audiobooks in one simple app. Enjoy thousands of free books from the Palace Bookshelf as well as exclusive titles only available to you in Palace. Download the Palace app for Android or Apple (iPhone and iPad) today!


Flipster – Flipster is a next-generation digital magazine distribution service which lets users access their favorite magazines from a variety of publishers through their local libraries. Accessible via a web browser or custom apps made specifically for Apple devices, Android devices, and the Kindle Fire tablet, Flipster users can download magazines to read offline, anytime, anywhere.

Local and National Newspapers – Monterey County Herald (2002 – Present), San Francisco Chronicle (2017 – Present), San Francisco Examiner (2017 – Present), and  The New York Times (1851 – Present)