We love lending digital books and audiobooks (also referred to as eBooks and eAudiobooks), but the pricing structure is very different for libraries than for individual consumers and presents libraries with significant challenges. Our digital book platforms are governed by the laws of licensing instead of ownership, and digital library vendors frequently charge in excess of six times what a consumer would pay for the same item. Additionally, these items are not owned by libraries, as they are by consumers, so when the lease expires the book is no longer available to library users. This restrictive pricing structure harms not only libraries, whose budgets are strained building digital collections, but also taxpayers, whose dollars fund the majority of library operations.
UPDATE: On May 29, 2025 Governor Lamont signed into law Public Act No. 25-9: AN ACT PROHIBITING LIBRARIES FROM AGREEING TO CERTAIN TERMS IN ELECTRONIC BOOK AND DIGITAL AUDIOBOOK LICENSE AGREEMENTS OR CONTRACTS.
The purpose of this bill is to prohibit libraries in the state of CT from entering into contracts or license agreements with publishers of electronic books and digital audiobooks that contain certain restrictions. However, the bill will only go into effect if one or more states with a total or combined population of 7 million enact similar laws.
You can read the full text of the law here.
https://cga.ct.gov/2025/ACT/PA/PDF/2025PA-00009-R00SB-01234-PA.PDF
UPDATE TO HOOPLA: Wallingford Public Library still subscribes to Hoopla Digital, but due to recent changes to our catalog, Hoopla items are no longer displayed in catalog searches. You can still browse Hoopla items by either downloading the Hoopla Digital app or by clicking on the “Download and Stream” button on the homepage.
How can you help?
Please continue to check out and enjoy library books, digital materials, and other items using your preferred method. If you have any questions, please contact Sunnie Scarpa, Library Director at: sscarpa@wallingfordlibrary.org
We will keep you updated on any future changes to our delivery of digital materials.