Q. What is the difference between Hoopla's Flex and Instant Borrow?

You can now borrow Flex titles from Hoopla. Learn more about them below!

Flex Borrow

Flex Borrow titles are marked with a circling-arrows symbol and are immediately available or waitlisted, similar to a physical book. Holds can be placed on Flex Borrow titles.

You get 10 Flex Borrows per month.

Instant Borrow

Instant Borrow titles are marked with a lightning bolt symbol and are immediately available — no waiting.

You get 30 Instant Borrows per month.

Borrowing Content on Hoopla

Questions

How long do I have to check out my Flex Borrow hold when it becomes available?

You have 72 hours to check out a Flex Borrow hold that becomes available.

How do I renew my Flex Borrow checkout?

The option to renew a Flex Borrow title becomes available 72 hours before it is due if no one is waiting for it. Digital books can be borrowed for 21 days.

Why are some titles Flex and others Instant?

Book publishers determine the licensing model for digital checkouts. But some titles may switch from Flex to Instant over time.

Does my Flex Borrow limit count against my Instant Borrow limit?

No. The Flex Borrow and Instant Borrow limits are separate.

Do my borrowing limits carry over to the next month if I don't use them?

No. You get a maximum of 10 Flex Borrows and 30 Instant Borrows every month.

What if a title is available as both Flex and Instant?

Good news! The title will default to Instant, and you’ll receive a bonus checkout (i.e., it won’t count against your monthly limits). Place a hold on the title as if it were Flex, and it will be automatically checked out to you in about an hour. Hoopla will send you a notification email summarizing the transaction.