Is Hoopla actually free?

Yes, but with a catch: it's free for you, but your local library pays a small fee every time you borrow something. This is why most libraries limit you to a certain number of borrows per month.

Can I lock the Kids Mode with a password?

Unfortunately, no. As of now, Kids Mode is a simple toggle. If your child is tech-savvy, they can turn it off in the settings menu without any parental override.

Does Hoopla work offline?

Yes! On the mobile app, you can download titles while you're on Wi-Fi to watch or read later. This is a massive win for airplanes or tablets that don't have cellular data.

Why can't I find a specific new release?

Hoopla’s catalog depends on what your specific library system has licensed. Also, some major publishers are stingy with digital rights, so you might find more indie titles or older classics than the #1 New York Times bestseller.

Hoopla – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Hoopla

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Website2010

91%

WISE Score

Your local library's digital upgrade—free books, movies, and music without the late fees or the 'waiting in line' frustration of other apps.

Hoopla

Website

2010

91%

WISE Score

Your local library's digital upgrade—free books, movies, and music without the late fees or the 'waiting in line' frustration of other apps.

Jump to

Screenwise Verdict

Hoopla is the best-kept secret for families who want to ditch the 'subscription creep' of modern streaming. It’s a legitimate, library-backed powerhouse that turns your tablet into a free bookstore and movie theater. While the interface isn't as slick as Disney+, the lack of ads and the focus on literacy make it a top-tier recommendation.

Technically, the 'Kids Mode' is a bit flimsy since it's just a toggle without a password, but for most intentional families, that’s a minor hurdle. The real value is in the audiobooks and comics. If you have a library card and aren't using this, you're basically leaving free culture on the table.

Age Fit

Great for everyone from toddlers (picture books) to seniors. The Kids Mode is specifically tuned for the under-12 crowd, but teens will appreciate the massive comic book and music selection in the general catalog.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It's essentially a digital extension of your local library. The content is curated, educational, and lacks the toxic algorithms or 'engagement' hacks found on commercial streaming platforms.

Imaginative

By providing access to thousands of books, graphic novels, and niche documentaries, it acts as a massive fuel source for a kid's curiosity and creative interests.

Safe

Kids Mode is a great filter for the 12-and-under crowd, but it lacks a PIN lock, meaning a curious kid can toggle it off easily. Privacy scores from Common Sense Media are also lower than we'd like to see due to data collection.

Enriching

Free access to audiobooks and ebooks is the gold standard for enrichment. It levels the playing field for families who want high-quality media without a dozen monthly subscriptions.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Instant gratification is the big win here; unlike Libby, there are usually no 'holds' or waitlists for titles.
The Kids Mode toggle instantly cleans up the interface, showing only G and PG equivalent content across all categories.
It's a budget saver that offers a massive library of graphic novels and comics that would otherwise cost a fortune on Kindle or Comixology.
Access to audiobooks makes it a perfect companion for long car rides or quiet time without adding more screen-heavy stimulation.

⚠

What to Watch For

The Kids Mode lacks a PIN, so if your kid knows how to navigate settings, they can switch back to the full library in about two clicks.
Borrowing limits are set by your local library, so you might only get 5-10 'borrows' a month—use them wisely.
The movie selection can be a bit 'bargain bin' compared to Netflix, with a lot of older or lower-budget titles mixed in with the gems.

Conversation Starters

"If we only have five borrows this month, how should we decide which books or movies are worth it?"
"Why do you think the library offers all of this for free instead of charging us like Amazon does?"
"Is there a graphic novel series you've been wanting to start that we can find here?"
"Which do you like better: listening to a story as an audiobook or reading it on the screen?"

Deep Dive

The 'No Wait' Library Hack

If you've used Libby, you know the pain of seeing a 12-week wait for a popular ebook. Hoopla operates on a different model: libraries pay per borrow, which means you can usually grab what you want exactly when you want it. For a parent with a kid who just finished a book at 7:00 PM and needs the sequel now, this is a lifesaver.

Kids Mode vs. Reality

Hoopla’s Kids Mode is effective at filtering out the R-rated movies and spicy romance novels, but it's a 'soft' filter. It’s designed for convenience, not lockdown. If you have a teen who needs more guardrails, you’ll want to be more hands-on. However, for younger kids, the interface is remarkably clean. It highlights great stuff like Paw Patrol, LEGO movies, and popular middle-grade series without the 'up-sell' pressure you find in the App Store.

The Privacy Trade-off

It's worth noting that Hoopla doesn't have the world's best privacy rating. Because it's a free service provided through your library, there is some data profiling happening behind the scenes. In the grand scheme of the internet (looking at you, YouTube and TikTok), it's a relatively low-risk environment, but it's the reason our 'Safe' score isn't in the 90s.

Pro Tip: The 'Binge Pass'

Keep an eye out for the Hoopla Binge Pass. It allows you to use one borrow to get unlimited access to specific collections (like Curiosity Stream or certain magazine bundles) for seven days. It’s the most efficient way to use your monthly borrow limit if your library is stingy with the credits.

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