In September 2024, in an effort to contain ballooning eResources costs, we instituted several changes to our lending limits in Libby and Hoopla. An overview of those changes can be found here. Despite our efforts across the county, our January 2026 Hoopla bill was more than our August 2024 bill, which was right before we implemented our current checkout limits. Unfortunately, this is simply not sustainable and requires quick action.
Starting May 1, we are implementing a Daily Spending Cap. This sets a dollar amount limit that, once reached, will pause Hoopla checkouts until the next day. The Daily Spending Cap resets at midnight local time. Unfortunately, managing the expense of a cost per circulation model cannot be effectively done through loan limits alone. The spending cap is the only way to establish a predicable cost while still continuing to offer this popular service.
The Daily Spending Cap is a collective limit, not to be confused with the personal check out limit, which remains at 5 borrows per month.
Bonus Borrows, which are available the last seven days of every month, are not impacted by the Daily Spending Cap. Bonus Borrows let you borrow library books, movies, and more and do not count as part of the 5 borrow monthly limit.
Once the Daily Spending Cap is reached for the day, a message will be displayed in the Hoopla app and browser experience when a borrow is attempted. Here is an example of what the message will look like:
Please encourage patrons to use the Favorites button so they can build a curated collection to choose from quickly. The best times to borrow, according to other library systems that have made this change, are just after midnight or before 8am.
We are modeling our communication and support resources after the September 2024 changes. An FAQ and talking points will be provided for staff, and clear and transparent information will be shared with the public.
After May 1, we will be monitoring the daily turnaways and gathering information about the patron and staff experience. Simultaneously, we will explore alternative or additional long-term solutions. Those efforts will include gathering input from stakeholders.
*Please note that the original date for the Daily Spending Cap to begin was April 15 but that has been modified to May 1.
Please reach out to Hilary Lewis or Mary Phillips if you have any questions.