Hoopla FAQ

hoopla logo rev

Welcome to hoopla!

What is hoopla?

Hoopla is a subscription service that allows you to instantly borrow free digital movies, music and more, 24/7 with your WNPL library card! Titles may be streamed on computers, tablets, or smartphones.

What does hoopla offer?

Hoopla offers access to thousands of movies, TV shows, documentaries, audiobooks and full music albums. All titles are available for streaming and temporary downloads to a mobile device. Borrowed titles are only available for download on mobile devices, such as iOS (iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch) and supported Android phones and tablets.

What are the loan periods and check out limits?

You may check out most video content for 72 hours (3 days), music for 7 days and audiobooks for 21 days. You may check out up to five items per month.

If I return an item early, does it still count as a monthly checkout?

Although you may return an item early, it will still count as part of your monthly checkout total.

How do I create a hoopla account?

Click on the hoopla link from the library’s website, or go to www.hoopladigital.com, and follow the instructions on the screen. You will need a valid Warren-Newport Public Library card in good standing and a valid email address to create an account.
You may also sign up via the hoopla app, available from most major app stores.
iTunes: https://www.apple.com/itunes/ (Apple devices)
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store?hl=en (Android devices)
Amazon App Store: http://www.amazon.com/getappstore (Android devices)

Once you have created an account, you can either browse titles or search for specific items. When you find an item you want to check out, click on the title and follow the instructions on the screen.

Do I need any special software?

To use hoopla on a computer, you must have an internet connection and the safe video player Widevine installed. Widevine is not needed for mobile devices.

What is Widevine?

The Widevine Media Optimizer is a browser plugin designed by Google for the viewing of premium video content such as hoopla. If you do not already have this installed when you attempt to play a video title in your web browser you will see a notification that will direct you to the Widevine website, from there you simply need to click on Install Now and follow the on-screen prompts.

How do I install the Widevine Plug-In?

The Widevine installation varies depending on the browser you are using. Here are installation manuals for Internet Explorer 8, Internet Explorer 10, Chrome, and Firefox.

Do I need to be connected to the internet to access hoopla?

Yes, you must be connected to the internet to access hoopla and to stream the content. Patrons can connect to the internet via Wi-Fi, 3G and/or 4G (if it is available in your area). Important note: if you are streaming on a smartphone or tablet and are NOT connected to Wi-Fi, you are accessing your data plan and, therefore, paying to stream.

Do I need to be connected to the internet to download a title on a mobile device?

Yes, you need to be connected to the Internet to access hoopla and download a title. However, once the title is downloaded, you can listen to or watch the title without Internet access.

Are all titles available to download onto a mobile device?

All titles are available for streaming and most are available for temporary download to a mobile device, based on studio or publisher restrictions.

What is the difference between streaming and downloading?

Streaming is playing audio/video content in real time through the Internet while downloading is saving or storing content to be listened to or viewed at another time.

Need more help?

Please contact the Adult Services staff at 847-244-5150, ext. 4, at askus@wnpl.info or contact hoopla directly at info@hoopladigital.com