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The Grace A. Dow Memorial Library will be saying farewell to the Hoopla digital media service on August 1, 2025, or when current funding runs out, whichever comes first. The money will be reallocated to expand Overdrive/Libby and other resources.
Background: Previous Changes
On March 1st, 2025, we implemented changes to help manage rising costs by reducing Hoopla checkouts from five to three items per patron each month. With approximately 100-300 new users joining Hoopla monthly, costs were projected to exceed our budget before the fiscal year's end.
Understanding the Cost Challenge
Hoopla operates on a pay-per-circulation model where the library pays each time an item is borrowed, averaging $2.04 per checkout. Since introducing Hoopla in 2019, our yearly costs have risen by over 372%, making budget planning extremely difficult with the unpredictable cost increases.
New Development: Federal Funding Cuts
After implementing the March 1st changes, we learned of significant funding reductions to the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This severely limits funding for state-provided database access, requiring our library to independently fund databases previously supported by the Library of Michigan.
What This Means
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August 1, 2025 (or when funding runs out): We'll say farewell to Hoopla service
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Ongoing: Library staff determining what databases to purchase to potentially replace resources lost due to current federal administration funding cuts.
Strategic Reallocation of Resources
The budget previously allocated for Hoopla will be strategically reallocated to serve two critical purposes:
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Maintaining database access: Ensure continued access to research databases no longer funded by IMLS
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Expanding OverDrive/Libby services: Offer more digital content through a cost-effective platform
Why OverDrive/Libby is More Sustainable
OverDrive operates differently than Hoopla, averaging $0.92 per circulation for GADML compared to Hoopla's $2.04. Additionally, OverDrive offers:
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Predictable annual subscription costs
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Permanent collection ownership rather than pay-per-use licensing
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Better availability of new releases
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More cost-effective operations
Digital Services Moving Forward
The Grace A. Dow Memorial Library has provided digital services through Overdrive (Libby) since 2012, expanding from eBooks to include eAudiobooks (2016) and eMagazines (2020). Our commitment to digital resources remains strong, and this strategic shift will provide more sustainable and cost-effective services while maintaining quality resources despite reduced federal and state support.
Other digital services, including Kanopy, remain unaffected.
Through August 1st or Until Funding Runs Out
Hoopla remains available with the current three-checkout limit through August 1st, 2025, or until current funding is exhausted, whichever comes first. We encourage patrons to:
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Continue using your monthly checkouts
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Take advantage of "Bonus Borrows" during the last seven days of each month (these don't count against your limit and cost the library nothing)
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Explore our Libby/OverDrive collection
Thank you for your continued support of the
Grace A. Dow Memorial Library.
Access to digital services requires a valid library card and residency within the City of Midland or contracted Midland County townships.
We Value Your Feedback
We understand these changes may be disappointing, and we truly appreciate your support as we balance fiscal responsibility with excellent library service. Your feedback is always welcome as we navigate the future of digital resources.
Can't Find What You Are Looking For On Libby?
We know that we don't have everything available on Libby, but we want to! If you have something you can't find, please use the "Notify Me" feature on Libby to tag items you would like the Library to purchase. You can find out how this feature works here.
We are interested in your feedback
Please share your thought and questions with us as we navigate these changes together!
