FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 27, 2025

Escondido Public Library Announces Changes to Hoopla Access

Escondido, CA – The Escondido Public Library is implementing new changes to its Hoopla digital service, effective March 3, 2025. These changes are designed to ensure that Escondido residents, workforce members, and students receive priority access to library-funded digital materials.

Key Changes:

• Escondido Public Library Card Requirement: Starting March 3, 2025, all Hoopla users must have a valid Escondido Public Library card. Escondido library cards begin with the numbers 21724 and can be obtained in person at the library.
• Library Card Registration Process: To obtain an Escondido Public Library card, individuals must visit the library in person with a government-issued photo identification and sign a library card application.
• Special Access for Online Cardholders:Current online cardholders who live, work, or attend school in Escondido and are unable to visit the library in person may email or mail the library with the following:
  • Their current online PACREG card number
  • A photograph or scanned copy of a government-issued photo ID
  • A photograph or scanned copy of proof of residence, employment, or school enrollment in Escondido
  • The names on the ID and documentation must match.
  • Once verified, the library will update the account and mail a physical library card. All documents submitted will be deleted or shredded to ensure privacy and confidentiality.

These changes were approved by the Library Board of Trustees on January 9, 2025, following a recommendation from library staff.

Why These Changes?
A recent analysis of Hoopla usage trends revealed that nearly 70% of Hoopla users were not Escondido residents but instead lived in San Diego and surrounding communities. Since local tax funds support the library’s digital collections, these updates will ensure that Escondido’s residents, workforce members, and students benefit from the service.

Additionally, every download on Hoopla costs the library money. In late 2024, the library introduced a three-download-per-month limit and a daily budget cap to help manage costs as demand for Hoopla grew beyond the library’s budget capacity. However, even with these limits, the cost of providing Hoopla remained unsustainable. The new changes were recommended as the past restrictions were not enough to ensure financial sustainability while meeting community demands.

These updates will not affect other digital services such as Libby/OverDrive or the Palace App.

For more information, please visit www.escondidolibrary.org or email library@escondidolibrary.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Hoopla Changes

1. Why do I need a physical library card to access Hoopla?
 Only patrons with a physical Escondido Public Library card, or those who have verified that they live, work, or attend school in Escondido, will have access to Hoopla. This change ensures that local tax funds support Escondido residents and eligible users. Homebound patrons may contact the library to verify eligibility and receive a physical card number for Hoopla access.

2. What happens if I have a digital library card?
 Digital cardholders (known also as PACREG) will need to obtain a physical library card in person. If they are unable to visit, they may submit verification documents via email or mail as outlined in the new policy.

3. Will there be any changes to the three-download-per-month limit?
 No, the three-download-per-month limit will remain in place. However, additional cost-control measures are being reviewed to ensure Hoopla remains available within the library’s budget.

4. How does the daily and monthly spending cap affect Hoopla access?
 If the daily spending cap is reached, patrons will not be able to check out items until the next day. If the monthly spending cap is reached before the end of the month, Hoopla access will be suspended until the next budget cycle begins.

5. How were these changes decided?
 The Library Board of Trustees approved the changes based on staff recommendations after a review of budget sustainability and user trends. The decision ensures Hoopla remains available for Escondido residents while maintaining financial responsibility.

6. Will this affect other digital services like Libby/OverDrive?
 No, these changes apply only to Hoopla. Other digital services remain unaffected.

For further questions, please email library@escondidolibrary.org.