What's Happening?
Hoopla Digital, a media app used by over 10,000 public libraries, has released its 2025 digital trends report. The report highlights a significant 11% increase in total content borrows and an 18% rise in audiobook borrowing year-over-year. The platform, which offers over 2 million titles across various formats, has seen a growing interest in genres like romantasy and thrillers. Notable audiobooks for 2025 include Suzanne Collins's 'Sunrise on the Reaping' and J.K. Rowling's 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone'. The report also notes the popularity of banned or challenged titles such as George Orwell's '1984'. Hoopla has expanded its catalog significantly, adding new library partners and publishers, including Podium, known for its romantasy and sci-fi
series.
Why It's Important?
The increase in audiobook borrowing reflects changing consumer preferences and the growing acceptance of digital formats. This trend is significant for libraries and publishers as it indicates a shift in how people consume literature, potentially influencing future publishing strategies. The popularity of banned books highlights ongoing cultural debates around censorship and freedom of expression. Hoopla's expansion of its catalog and partnerships with publishers like Podium suggests a robust market for diverse and niche genres, which could lead to more varied content offerings in libraries. This development benefits both consumers, who gain access to a wider range of materials, and authors, particularly those who are self-published or write in less mainstream genres.
What's Next?
Hoopla plans to continue focusing on expanding its offerings in early reader content, children's literature, and world languages. The company aims to meet the diverse needs of library users by partnering with publishers to provide high-quality content. As digital borrowing continues to rise, libraries may need to adapt their collections and services to accommodate these changes. The ongoing popularity of banned books may also prompt further discussions and actions regarding censorship in educational and public institutions.
