Audiobooks on Hoopla

Public library catalogs often have extensive collections of bestsellers, important classic literature, educational material, and much more. But checking out books isn’t always easy due to the limited copies available in libraries. However, public libraries can cater to cardholders by making their catalogs available online.

Audiobooks of library titles can make content accessible to everyone, including people with dyslexia, those with visual impairments, etc. Audiobooks help people multitask while listening to stories and studying. Hoopla is a platform worth checking out if these are perks you need.

This article explains how Hoopla works, who might benefit from it the most, and how to get started.

What is Hoopla?

Hoopla is a web streaming platform and audiobook service that works with public libraries to provide content to users. Unlike similar platforms, Hoopla contains books, e-audiobooks, magazines, music, and plenty of TV shows and movies.

The platform works with many U.S., Canadian, New Zealand, and Australian libraries. Users can access unique catalogs, depending on their location, to borrow audiobooks and other materials. Using either the cloud-based platform or the mobile app, people can stream and download what they want.

One of the best things about the platform is that borrowing doesn’t affect the library borrowing limit, and the content doesn’t contain ads.

But not all items are available for borrowing at all times. Hoopla has instant borrows and flex borrows. That means that some copies of books and audiobooks come with a limit on how many people can simultaneously have them.

Hoopla differs from other platforms in another way. Typically, apps like Libby by OverDrive or Kanopy come with limits on audiobooks, eBooks, and videos. Not all users can borrow the same at the same time. But with Hoopla, libraries pay per use. Hence, a lot of content isn’t available at all times to everyone.

Unfortunately, this also means that some bestsellers and other materials aren’t on the platform. Publishers may choose not to make their content available on Hoopla. They do that to force libraries to buy the rights for every copy.

It’s worth noting that Hoopla works on multiple operating systems and devices:

• Android

• Apple TV

• Amazon Fire TV

• Chromecast

• iOS (in the App Store)

• Roku

• Web browsers

How to set up your Hoopla account

Because Hoopla works with public libraries, members need a valid library card to use the platform. It’s important when you register to select the library that goes with your card. Otherwise, Hoopla may suggest libraries next to your location based on your IP address when filling out the registration form.

From there, the process is relatively straightforward. You must type an email address, password, library card number, and pin. No other information is necessary to create a Hoopla account.

Browsing Hoopla audiobooks

Hoopla has an extensive audiobook library spanning 32 genres. Popular categories include adventure, business, children’s books, health and fitness, inspirational, non-fiction, poetry, etc. You can also find five Christian categories: fiction, romance, mystery, etc. There’s a bit of everything for everyone on Hoopla regarding audiobook content, not limited to public-domain titles.

Selecting a genre gives users a list of all available audiobooks. You can search for specific titles or filter by audiobook format, release dates, language, children’s content, and user ratings. If you want, you can exclude abridged titles from your searches.

Getting content on Hoopla depends on the public library policies. Each library can have different rules. However, everything is automated. For instance, you don’t have to return items manually or worry about late fees, unlike when borrowing from a library. The app takes care of everything when the due date passes.

Audiobooks and e-books stay in your personal library the longest at 21 days. Music, movies, and TV shows have shorter rental periods of seven days and 72 hours, respectively. Fortunately, you can also renew a rental if you don’t mind it counting as a new selection.

Another great feature is the Auto Lend Holds. It works similarly to wish lists and lets you automatically add titles to your collection when they become available. Furthermore, Hoopla is very kid-friendly, and users can activate the Kids Mode to limit the catalog to children’s content.

But cardholders must know about the limitations. While Hoopla works with public libraries to make its content available online, not every physical book and e-book has an audiobook version. Titles like Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows are easy to find. The same applies to Agatha Christie titles and similar popular book club bestsellers. Additionally, some non-fiction content might not have an audiobook version in the library system.

Turn any text into speech with Speechify

If you like audiobooks, then you should try turning all other text into speech with Speechify.

Speechify is a text to speech app that can read digital text aloud using AI voices. It works in the web browser, on desktop computers, and mobile devices. You can take written text and create an audio version with natural-sounding voices.

The best part is that you can work with titles available outside specific library collections. You can scan books from your bookshelf, turn public domain works into audiobooks, adjust the playback speed, and even bookmark your progress.

Speechify is a TTS reader with extended functionality used for studying and leisure. You can try Speechify for free to enhance your reading experience.

FAQ

How do you listen to audiobooks on Hoopla?

You can listen to audiobooks in the Hoopla app’s built-in player on your mobile device, smart TV, or in the web browser.

Did Hoopla get rid of audiobooks?

No. Hoopla has an extensive collection of audiobooks based on titles available in its library system network.

How much does Hoopla charge for an audiobook?

Hoopla doesn’t charge users anything to borrow audiobooks. The service is free to use for public library cardholders.

What are some good audiobooks on Hoopla?

Users can go through the Harry Potter audiobooks, the Shades of Magic series by V. E. Schwab, Stephen King novels, and many other titles.