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Fulton libraries warn popular Hoopla e‑service could exhaust FY25 funding; county staff will return with options
Summary
Fulton County Library staff told commissioners rapid growth in use of the Hoopla e‑media service has driven costs higher than anticipated. Library leaders recommended reducing per-card monthly checkouts from 10 to 5 or seeking an additional $625,000 to preserve current access; commissioners asked staff for more usage detail and options
Library leaders told commissioners that an on‑demand e‑resource, Hoopla, has grown quickly in popularity and cost, and that the current FY25 budget risks being exhausted unless the county reduces usage or allocates additional funds.
Hoopla permits cardholders instant access to movies, audiobooks, ebooks, music and comics; the library charges per checkout. The system has shown steep growth since launch: staff reported a 700–780% increase in checkouts, patrons and costs since the service’s early years, and estimated FY25 Hoopla spend at current use around $1.3 million.
Options and recommendation Library staff presented three scenarios: - Status quo: Continue 10 checkouts per cardholder per month; library estimates the FY25 allocation will exhaust in mid‑summer. - Recommendation: Reduce Hoopla to 5 checkouts per cardholder per month with notice to users (proposed implementation June 1). Staff said this would materially reduce spend while preserving service for most users. - Maintain current allowance with additional funding: Provide roughly $625,000 in additional FY25 funding to keep 10 checkouts per month through the year.
Commissioners’ response Some commissioners, including Bridget Thorne and others who identified themselves as frequent users, signaled interest in the 5‑checkout compromise but asked for more data on item types and user behavior (e.g., how many users hit the full 10 limit and which media types drive high cost). Several requested a more detailed comparative analysis of the library’s 83 e‑resources to see if spending could be shifted.
What the library will do next Library staff said they will return at the June 4 meeting with additional data on usage distribution, how many patrons reach full allotments, and cost-per-item breakdowns, and will prepare tailored messaging for patrons if a limit reduction is adopted.
Ending Commissioners urged staff to preserve digital access where possible and to return with data‑driven options; no immediate funding change was adopted at the May 21 meeting.
