Catawba County News
Shorter Waits! More Books!
Published: December 19, 2025
The library’s digital collection on the Libby App is growing in exciting ways, and the NC Digital Library is offering more benefits than ever to Catawba County Library cardholders. As a founding member of the statewide consortium, the library partners with 22 other libraries in sharing a rich collection of eBooks and eAudiobooks. Alongside this shared collection, the library also invests in an exclusive Advantage collection giving Catawba County patrons faster access to high-demand eBooks and eAudiobooks.
The Advantage collection helps shorten wait times for popular titles. For example, the eAudiobook The Correspondent by Virginia Evans has more than 1,000 people waiting across the consortium. With three Advantage copies, the library's patrons move through the line faster. At the same time, patrons still have access to the 21 copies shared by the entire consortium, giving even more chances to get the book sooner.
The library is continually adding new titles, purchasing additional copies of popular books to keep wait times low. The library has also created an Advantage collection of always-available titles ensuring that something is available to checkout at any time. If patrons can’t find what they are looking for, they can select the "Notify Me" tag to request a title. If the library purchases it, patrons will be notified when the title becomes available.
To support this expansion, the library will be saying goodbye to Hoopla on December 31, 2025. Moving to one platform, allows for the best return on investment for the library’s collection budget, while also strengthening our Libby collection. Any content borrowed on or before December 31st will remain accessible for the duration of the normal Hoopla lending period.
Make the switch to Libby before the end of the year for a smooth transition.
As always, library staff are available to help patrons navigate this move.
Right now, patrons can explore more than 179,000 titles in the NC Digital Library on Libby, including over 77,000 eAudiobooks and 102,000 eBooks. Blockbusters like The Mirror by Nora Roberts and Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros are just a tap away, along with a rapidly growing collection of Freida McFadden titles. With Libby, patrons can have up to six items checked out at one time—and there is no monthly checkout limit. This means readers can borrow as many titles as they like throughout the month. Libby also provides access to many major authors not available on Hoopla, including Nora Roberts, James Patterson, Fredrik Backman, and more.
Be sure to check out Libby’s new “Inspire Me” tool for personalized reading suggestions, and features like adjustable text settings, offline downloads, Kindle compatibility, and seamless syncing that will make Libby your favorite one-stop digital reading experience.
We’re thrilled to offer such a vibrant, user-friendly platform and look forward to continuing to grow the library’s digital offerings for the Catawba County community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the library discontinuing Hoopla and focusing on Libby?
Hoopla operates on a pay-per-use model, meaning the library pays a fee every time an item is checked out. Once that checkout ends, the library does not own the item or retain any ongoing access rights. Over time, increased Hoopla use led to rapidly rising costs - this year, expenses were on track to nearly double what was budgeted. This model is not financially sustainable.
Libby, on the other hand, allows the library to invest in building a long-term digital collection. Through permanent and metered licenses, the library purchases copies of titles that remain available for current and future users. This ensures taxpayer dollars are spent on materials the library owns and can share with many readers over time.
How is Libby a better use of library funding?
Funds previously spent renting Hoopla titles are now being invested in the Libby Advantage Collection. This means:
- The library is building our own digital collection.
- More copies of popular titles to reduce wait times.
- Expanding access with high-quality and in-demand titles.
What limits are there on Libby checkouts and holds?
- Checkouts: You may have up to six items checked out at one time. Once an item is returned, you can check out another—there is no lifetime limit, just a six-at-a-time limit.
- Holds: You may place up to six holds at a time.
These limits are set by the NC Digital Library consortium we belong to. Sharing resources means sharing rules, which helps keep hold lists manageable for everyone.
Why can’t I place more than six holds in Libby?
Because we are part of a consortium with 22 other North Carolina libraries, hold limits are standardized across all member libraries. This ensures fair access and prevents unmanageable waitlists.
Tip: You can use Libby’s “Tag” or “Future” feature to create a personal list of titles you want to place on hold later.
How long do I have to wait?
Because our library has an Advantage Collection exclusively for Catawba County patrons, the Libby app does not always show an accurate wait time. Our staff regularly review hold lists and when possible, purchase additional copies to help reduce wait times. We are also working with the Libby app developers to display how many Advantage copies we own. Please go ahead and place a hold, and we’ll work to get your book to you as quickly as possible. ---
What if I can’t find the title I want on Libby?
Libby includes an Always Available collection with thousands of fiction titles ready for immediate checkout.
If you don’t see a specific title: ·
- Tap “Notify Me” in the Libby app or email mylibrary@catawbacountync.gov
- The library will review requests and evaluate titles for possible purchase.
The library regularly reviews the holds list and adds copies of popular items to reduce wait times while maintaining a broad and diverse collection.
Can I still get the same types of materials I had on Hoopla?
Yes. Everything that was available on Hoopla is available on Libby, though some high-demand titles may require a wait.
To ensure immediate access, the library has created an Always Available collection:
- Over 60,000 titles available instantly, similar to Hoopla
- Limited to three checkouts per calendar month
You may also place holds and check items out in the following month.
How large is the Libby collection on the NC Digital Library?
- Nearly 90,000 titles are shared by the NC Digital Library consortium
- Over 600 Advantage titles are exclusively for Catawba County patrons
- Nearly 60,000 titles are always available for immediate checkout
Are there additional digital libraries available on the Libby App?
Yes. The Libby App provides access to NC Kids and NC Kids Level Up, which include popular series like Harry Potter and The Hunger Games with no wait times. You can also access Home Grown titles from NC LIVE, featuring works by local authors published by Redhawk Publications at Catawba Valley Community College.
What if I want something to read right now?
Libby’s Always Available collections ensure there are thousands of titles you can check out immediately. While some popular titles may have waitlists, there is always something available to enjoy right away.
If you need help getting started with Libby or finding materials, library staff are happy to assist you.
