Literary Technology to Get Excited About: Hoopla

Wordfest is excited about a couple recent developments in the technological world that realate to…what else? Literature! This second installment in our two-part mini-series will look at how technology is transforming the way literature is consumed.

Hoopla is a recent development in literary technology that has been deemed the “Netflix of Libraries,” because it streams audiobooks, as well as movies, television and music. Literary lovers in Calgary will be pleased to know that the service has no cost for those who have a Calgary Public Library card.

After signing in with their library card and pin number, audiobook lovers are able to borrow the file for three weeks and, with the audiobook expiring after the allotted lending period, patrons avoid racking up late fees. Audiobooks available to borrow range from classics, like George Orwell’s 1984, to newer favourites, like Orange Is the New Black: My Year in a Women’s Prison, by Piper Kerman. The service is also available for tablets and smartphones, allowing on-the-go listening and viewing.