hoopla

Hoopla is a term in English meaning boisterous, flamboyant, or attention-grabbing fuss or publicity about a person, event, or product. The word is often used to describe excessive promotion or fanfare and can carry a mildly negative connotation. It likely originated in American English in the 19th century as an onomatopoeic or playful coinage, with usage later broadening to refer to any notable commotion or excitement.

In addition to its general meaning, Hoopla is the name of a digital media service. Hoopla Digital, commonly known simply as Hoopla, is a platform provided by Midwest Tape that enables participating libraries to lend digital content to patrons. Users can borrow items such as movies and television shows, music, audiobooks, eBooks, comics, and more. Borrowed titles can be streamed or downloaded within licensing windows, and loans automatically expire at the end of the lending period; there are typically no late fees. Access requires a library card from a participating library, and the availability of titles depends on each library’s license and catalog. Hoopla operates alongside other library platforms and is notable for its simultaneous streaming model rather than hold-based lending.

The service has become popular in many public libraries as a means to expand digital offerings, though it is limited by licensing terms and regional availability.