Hoopla Changes Coming May 2026

Beginning May 1, 2026 Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County libraries are implementing a Daily Spending Cap on Hoopla. This sets a dollar amount limit that, once reached, will pause Hoopla checkouts until the next day. The Daily Spending Cap resets at midnight local time.  

Why is this happening?   

One of the great things about Hoopla is that everything is available and there is no waiting. This is because Hoopla operates on a cost per circulation model. The library pays for each individual borrow. Unfortunately, because of the popularity of Hoopla, managing the expense of a cost per circulation model cannot be effectively done through borrowing limits alone. The Daily Spending Cap is the only way to establish a predicable cost while still continuing to offer this popular service. 

The countdown for the spending limit starts at midnight. Based on current use, we anticipate that the daily spending limit will be reached every day. 

The Daily Spending Cap is a collective limit, not to be confused with the personal check out limit, which remains at 5 borrows per month.  

Bonus Borrows, which are available the last seven days of every month, are not impacted by the Daily Spending Cap. Bonus Borrows let you borrow library books, movies, and more. Bonus Borrows do not count toward the Daily Spending Cap, and they do not count as part of your 5 borrows per month.  

What Does the Spending Cap Look Like?  

Once the Daily Spending Cap is reached for the day, a message will be displayed in the Hoopla app and browser experience when a borrow is attempted. Here is an example of what the message will look like: 

The Library Already Made Changes to eResources, Why Are You Doing This Again?  

In September 2024 we instituted several changes to our Libby and Hoopla lending limits in an effort to contain ballooning eResources costs across all our digital platforms. An overview of those changes can be found here. The changes we implemented in 2024 did help contain eResources costs temporarily but have not proven sufficient in the face of growing demand. In fact, our monthly Hoopla costs are now at the same level as when we implemented the changes in 2024.  

Are There Any Planned Changes to Libby?  

No, no changes are being made to Libby. The hold and checkout limits remain the same. We are currently able to manage costs on Libby through holds and purchasing decisions.

We know these are unwelcome changes, and we wish we did not have to make them. Once the Daily Spending Cap is in place, we will be monitoring turnaway statistics and the user experience. We appreciate your understanding as we make this difficult decision.  

Originally posted here.

Library Board Openings November 2025

Map of Wilkinsburg borough wards

The Wilkinsburg Public Library Board of Directors’ mission is to provide the community with an effective, expanding free public library service, and to create and encourage public interest in the library. The board is seeking two new members, one from Ward 1 and one from Ward 2 of Wilkinsburg, to help fulfill that mission. The members consist of two representatives from each of the three wards in the borough, a representative of the borough council, and the library director. The board strives to be representative of our diverse community.

If you are interested in serving your community through volunteering with the WPL board, please send an email to wilkinsburghelp@gmail.com with the subject line “Library Board” and a brief introduction/explanation of interest and someone will be in contact with you soon. Thank you.

Eastridge Branch Library Closure

Link to survey: https://forms.gle/aGorhRbYDsUA5fwK7

Update: Inspection has revealed further underlying issues with the building of Eastridge Branch Library that must be addressed before more minor repairs are undertaken. The Borough of Wilkinsburg is currently considering options. We appreciate your understanding.

We are now able to provide some more details about the closure of the Eastridge Branch Library. The cause of the plumbing issue which led to the closure was located in the sewer lines. Out of an abundance of caution, we were advised to undertake air quality testing. The testing is ongoing. The results of the testing will inform decisions regarding the reopening of the branch library. At this time, there is not a clear timeline for reopening. Details about reopening will be shared as soon as possible.

Thank you to those who have reached out with concerns about Eastridge! We understand that the library is very important to its patrons and to the community, and we encourage you to continue reaching out with any questions or concerns.

In the meantime, we continue to provide library services at the main branch of Wilkinsburg Public Library, at 605 Ross Ave. Holds that were at Eastridge are now at the main branch. Holds that are in transit to Eastridge will be transferred to the main branch. We are working out the logistics of that transfer currently and will have more information in the near future. Please continue to check back often for updates!

We appreciate your patience and support of the library.

Holds

If you requested an item for pickup at Eastridge and it is now “Ready for Pickup,” that item is at the main Wilkinsburg Public Library at 605 Ross Ave.

If an item is still “In Transit,” that item is in transit to the main Wilkinsburg library at 605 Ross Ave. and will be ready for pickup there shortly.

If you aren’t able to make it to the main Wilkinsburg library, you can cancel your hold and replace it for pickup at another location, or give us a call at 412-244-2940, so that we can assist you.

Thank you!