The Fairfield Public Library has announced it will discontinue its subscription to the digital media platform Hoopla at the end of 2025, citing rising costs and the need to prioritize other essential services.
According to the library, Hoopla’s pay-per-checkout model has become financially unsustainable as usage continues to grow. The service has consumed an increasing share of the library’s digital resources budget, leaving fewer funds available for other needs. With limited funding projected for 2026—and long-overdue upgrades to public computers last replaced in 2017—the library says it must pause Hoopla to maintain responsible fiscal stewardship.
Patrons will lose access to Hoopla after December 30th, 2025. Items borrowed before that date will remain available through the end of their loan period. Users who want to save their Hoopla borrowing history are encouraged to log into their account and screenshot or copy their “History” list before the service ends.
Even with Hoopla ending, Fairfield Public Library emphasized that digital access will remain robust. The library will continue offering Libby, powered by OverDrive, which provides thousands of eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines under licensing models that are more cost-effective for libraries. Libby features include one-at-a-time checkouts with holds, “Lucky Day” copies with instant availability, skip-the-line options, and immediate access to all digital magazines. Patrons may request titles directly through their Libby app or FPL catalog account.
The library has also recently added Comics Plus, offering unlimited digital access to graphic novels, manga, and picture books. Other digital services such as Kanopy and GrantWatch will continue to be supported in 2026.
Library officials say these updates reflect their ongoing commitment to delivering sustainable, high-quality resources that meet the diverse needs of Jefferson County residents.
