Dear Fellow TBR Addicts: Our Book Access is Under Attack
Let’s be real—our TBR (To Be Read) lists are longer than a fantasy trilogy with a never ending coming soon author extending the stories to places we never asked for but desperately want. And in 2025, we’re living in a time where digital book access is just as vital as the smell of paperbacks in a cozy bookstore.
But guess what? Library funding cuts are threatening our beloved services like Hoopla Digital, especially in rural libraries that are already hanging on with state funding as tiny as most the panties our favorite leading ladies wear in our spicy novels.
This isn’t just a budget line—it’s a book-lover’s emergency.
What Is Hoopla? Is Audible Overpriced?
Apps with Digital Accessibility & Why Readers Love It
For those not in the know (but should be), Hoopla is a free digital media service offered through public libraries. All you need is a library card to unlock:
- Ebooks & audiobooks (hello, multitasking)
- Comics & manga (yes, in full color)
- Movies, TV shows & music (for rest days… aka book hangovers)
Unlike other apps, Hoopla is said to offer instant borrowing—no holds, no waitlists. However, if you live in a rural area like I do-our library already runs out of available books to borrow faster than one should drink an Irish Car Bomb. However, it’s the bookworm’s dream come true for a lot of people and it’s a lifeline for readers in areas without a nearby library.
What I usually do is when I wake up in the middle of the night to drinks some water, grab a midnight snack, or let the dog out, I will hit that borrow button on one of the favorites that I have preloaded on to my Hoopla app. Hoopla syncs across all your devices, so you can go from reading on your phone, to tablet, to laptop if you want. Hoopla offers more content, in more places, than any other digital library platform and it’s all FREE thanks to your public library! Or…it was. Which gets me to my point.
Library Cuts = A Reader Catastrophe
In June 2025, NPR reported that federal funding cuts are hitting libraries hard—especially in rural communities. The IMLS (Institute of Museum and Library Services), which supports digital access and other broadband programs, is on the chopping block in proposed budgets. This highly impacts library funding cuts in the land of 2025.
What this means in real terms:
- Libraries may drop Hoopla or reduce monthly borrows
- It is already all over TikTok that some people have already lost their availability to Hoopla through their local library.
- Smaller libraries might reduce hours, staff, or close branches
- In my state, local news outlets have already disbanded their bookmobile due to not having staff available to drive forty-five minutes to bring books to children that live in rural areas. Now isn’t that fucking sad?
- Book access becomes a privilege, not a public service
Let that sink in: the very tool that helps book lovers, students, and lifelong learners access free knowledge may be slashed due to politics. And you thought book bans were scary… #savehoopla2025
Look, book banning isn’t some brand-new villain in 2025’s plot twist. Nope—it’s been around longer than putting layers in your hair or reminding people not to litter. In fact, the very first documented book ban in the United States went down in 1637 in good ol’ Quincy, Massachusetts.
Back then, a spicy little number called New English Canaan by Thomas Morton ruffled a few very Puritanical feathers. Which we know was very easy to do at this time. But why this book? Because Morton dared to drag the Puritan power structure with some savage critiques. How dare he have his own opinions, am I right? *note the sarcasm* Naturally, the Puritan government banned it faster than you can say “heretical hot take.”
So yes—banning books to protect fragile egos is practically a colonial tradition.
Sassy Readers Deserve Options: Digital and Physical
Books should be everywhere. On our phones. On our nightstands. In backpacks, classrooms, and yes—even in that new bag we just got to brunch just to look like we’re reading but really we are going to drink mimosa’s and scroll social media.
Whether you’re gabbing about what that leading man said to her before he ravishes her in your book club or an introverted fantasy nerd checking out books at your local library to slay vermin, or a student in a rural town with one library branch…You deserve equal access to books—no matter your zip code or device.
How You Can Help #SaveOurLibraries
Here’s how you (yes, even in your pajamas) can make a difference:
✅ Use your library card—borrow on Hoopla, Libby, and in person
✅ Contact your legislators—ask them to support IMLS funding
✅ Share your story—on blogs, Instagram, or even TikTok (#LibraryLove)
✅ Support Friends of the Library groups or donate
Audible vs. Kindle Unlimited:
The Same but Different
Let’s clear this up, book wenches: Audible and Kindle Unlimited may both be Amazon’s brainchildren, but they’re definitely not twins.
Audible is your go-to for audiobooks —think iconic narrators, exclusive content, thousands of membership only listens, and the best part? You own what you buy. Those books are yours even if you cancel your membership.
Meanwhile, Kindle Unlimited is more of a borrow-it-and-bounce vibe that is still come back to over-and-over again. You get access to a whole lotta ebooks (plus a modest selection of audiobooks– you have to look for the little headphones next to the title), but once you end your subscription? Poof—your digital bookshelf gets Marie Kondo’d.
TL;DR: Audible = forever bae for audiobook lovers.
Kindle Unlimited = commitment-free fling for the ebook curious.
Choose your vibe accordingly. If you are like me-you have both because I shouldn’t have to choose.
Monthly Cost–Protect that Coin
Here’s a breakdown comparing Hoopla, Audible, and Kindle Unlimited with a visual and detailed table to help you choose the best option for your reading and listening needs:
Hoopla: Free with a library card (library-funded)
Audible: $14.95/month (includes 1 credit per month)
Kindle Unlimited: $11.99/month (unlimited reading)
Full Feature Comparison Table
| Service | Offline Access | Library Card Needed | Borrowing Limits | Content Types | Ownership | Simultaneous Streams |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoopla | Yes | Yes | 5–10 titles/month (library dependent) | Ebooks, Audiobooks, Comics, TV, Movies, Music | No (temporary borrow) | Depends on library..and funding |
| Audible | Yes | No | 1 credit/month (base plan) And the Plus Catalog w/o Credit | Audiobooks, Podcasts, Audible Originals | Yes (with credits), some streaming | 1 device per credit; multiple devices supported |
| Kindle Unlimited | Yes | No | Unlimited reading; Some audio books | Ebooks, Audiobooks, Magazines | No (temporary borrow) | Multiple devices |
💬 Final Thoughts: Fight for Your Right to Read
Books are not optional. They’re essential for education, escapism, and everything in between. If we lose access—especially to platforms like Hoopla that are free—we’re not just cutting costs. We’re cutting off creativity, opportunity, and inclusion.
So raise your TBR list high. Hold that sassy tote close. And let’s keep turning pages—digital or not.
Leave a Reply