Hoopla is a leading digital media service that allows you to borrow and stream books, comics, music, movies, and more from their local public libraries.
To access the extensive content catalog available on the platform, you must have a valid library card for a participating public library.
But what if you don’t have a library card but are interested in using Hoopla? Well, you can access the service temporarily with a few steps.
Below, we explain how to use Hoopla without immediately providing a library card during signup.
Guide on how to use Hoopla temporarily without a library card
You can create a free account through the Clifton Public Library and enjoy five temporary checkouts.
This allows you to try out Hoopla’s extensive digital content catalog before deciding if you’d like to sign up for a full library card.
Follow these steps to take advantage of this offer:
- Access the Hoopla website: Open your preferred web browser and type hoopladigital.com into the address bar at the top.
- Create your account: Look around for a blue Get Started Today button when their homepage loads. Go ahead and click it to create a new account.
- Enter basic personal details: Pick a valid email address and create a secure password. Ensure you accurately type your email and password twice at this stage to confirm everything is correct.
- Agree to terms: Once you’ve done that, look for their Terms of Service and click the check box to agree to Hoopla’s rules.
- Connect to the Clifton Public Library: When Hoopla asks you to search and select your library, start typing in “Clifton” until you see it appear in the search results. Tap on Clifton Public Library to link this new account to their temporary trial offer.
- Activate your account: On the next screen, you should see a link saying, “I don’t have a library card…” go ahead and select this option. Lastly, enter your legal first and last name before clicking the purple Sign Me Up button at the bottom.
That’s it, and you now have a free Hoopla trial account through the Clifton Public Library. Browse their massive digital catalog and use your five checkouts wisely.
How to gain ongoing free access to Hoopla
While the above five free checkouts give you a nice taste, that limit likely won’t satisfy most users hungry for more content.
The good news is you can gain unlimited access to Hoopla for free, but you will need a library card from your local public library.
For residents of the Village of Clifton, signing up for a free Clifton Public Library card enables permanent use of the Hoopla platform. You can conveniently apply for one via the following process:
- Visit the library in person or apply online using the form on their website. Give out your name, address, contact details, and any other details needed.
- Present proof of address when applying to the library branch. Examples are driver’s licenses, tax bills, or utility invoices.
- If getting a card for a minor, their parent/guardian must sign the form.
- Apply and wait for approval notification from staff.
- Visit to collect card if applying online. Bring the same proofs used in the application at that first visit.
- Sign into your Hoopla account and connect the newly issued library card.
- Start borrowing and streaming unlimited titles for free.