Hoopla is a popular digital platform that allows library cardholders to access ebooks, movies, TV shows, and audiobooks. However, the site sometimes does not recognize valid library cards.
So, what are the causes for Hoopla not recognizing your library card? A frequent reason is an expired library membership. Another possibility is minor typos when entering your number.
Read on to learn more about how to get Hoopla to recognize your valid card again.
Why Hoopla is not recognizing your library card and how to fix it
When this platform is not accepting your library card, it can be frustrating.
Below are the reasons why this happens and how to fix it:
1. Invalid library card details
One common reason Hoopla may not recognize your card is entering invalid details. It’s easy to accidentally transpose a digit or add an extra character, especially on mobile. Small mistakes can prevent it from matching your library’s records.
Solutions:
- Thoroughly verify each character of your card number matches what’s on the physical card itself. Take your time to ensure no mistakes were made upon entry.
- If you’re confident the number was entered accurately but isn’t working, clear your browser cache and cookies, then re-enter from scratch. Sometimes, minor glitches can cause an old invalid entry to remain.
2. The library doesn’t support Hoopla
If your library hasn’t partnered with Hoopla, it simply won’t have an account set up. Not every library provides access to this platform’s digital collection.
The service works directly with public libraries, so your local branch must have an agreement in place for you to get access.
Sometimes, smaller libraries may not have the resources to offer additional digital services like Hoopla. Other times, a library’s contract with the service could be expired.
Without an active partnership, the platform won’t recognize cards from that location.
Solutions:
- Check with your library’s website or call them to ask if they currently support Hoopla.
- Check Hoopla’s website for a list of participating libraries in your state.
3. You received a replacement library card
Have you recently lost your original library card and received a new replacement from your local branch? This can sometimes cause issues with Hoopla recognizing the new card number.
When a replacement is issued, your library needs to update Hoopla with the new details. Until that happens, Hoopla’s system may still be linked to the old number.
Solutions:
- Check with your library to ensure they have updated your account information with hoopla. Ask a librarian to verify they have linked your replacement card number.
- If the library has made the change but Hoopla still won’t accept the new number, clearing your browser cache and cookies, then re-entering may do the trick.
4. Your library PIN has changed
If your library PIN has been modified for security purposes, Hoopla may be unable to acknowledge the old number. Libraries occasionally reset PINs to protect user accounts from potential theft or misuse.
This commonly happens after a certain period of inactivity, like 6 months to a year without logging in. You may try accessing Hoopla with your usual PIN only to find it’s no longer valid.
Solutions:
- Check for any emails or notifications from the library informing of a PIN change. Libraries typically alert members before making alterations.
- Contact your local library branch to obtain your new PIN. Explain the situation, and they can look up your account to provide the updated code.
- If you recently used a different library card, ensure you’re entering the correct PIN for your main membership. Mistakingly typing in another user’s code could result in rejection.
5. Card limit reached
Your library may set borrowing restrictions through Hoopla. They may cap the number of titles one card can have checked out at a time. If you’ve hit this limit, the site won’t accept your card until some items are returned.
Libraries do this to ensure fair access for all members.
Solutions:
- Check your Hoopla account to see what’s currently checked out. Return anything you’re finished with to bring your count down.
- Contact your local library for details on the specific limit.
- If close to the limit, hold off borrowing more until some upcoming due dates pass.
6. Library account issues
At times, your library may experience problems that impact Hoopla access. Issues integrating data between the library’s system and Hoopla’s platform can lead to temporary errors. Don’t panic; it’s not necessarily something you did wrong.
This type of technical glitch is usually out of your control and impossible to fix directly, but there are still solutions available.
Solutions:
- Contact your local library about the problem. Explain what’s happening so they’re aware.
- Staff can check for any oddities in your account settings and try resolving problems from their side.
- Technical problems are often resolved quickly once identified. Give it some time, and try Hoopla again later.
7. App version or technical problems
Sometimes, your Hoopla app may need an update. If it’s not the most recent version, some features won’t work properly, and you could encounter technical glitches beyond your control.
Solutions:
- Check if any app updates are available. Install any pending upgrades shown.
- Update your browser to the latest version.
- Make sure your device is connected to the internet when you log in.