Libraries are celebrated as open, welcoming, and free spaces for all. A great deal of care is put into ensuring collections are inclusive and representative of all members of the community. That’s why hoopla helps honor that commitment by offering access to a rich tapestry of content that encompasses diverse communities, world languages, mental health topics, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives. 

Leveraging Hoopla for Diverse Content

Hoopla is an invaluable tool for libraries looking to enhance their digital collections with diverse content. Its extensive offerings span various formats—eBooks, audiobooks, movies, music, and comics—providing libraries with the flexibility to curate collections that reflect the needs of their communities.

Curating Diverse Collections

Hoopla offers curated collections for various cultural celebrations, allowing libraries to showcase and celebrate diverse voices and experiences. Libraries can also create their own collections to highlight the rich tapestry of their communities, ensuring that all members feel represented and valued. For example:  

  • DEI-Focused Collections: Curate collections that center on DEI  topics: topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This can include works by authors from marginalized communities, stories of historical  
    significance, and resources that address systemic issues.  
  • Mental Health Resources: Create a collection focused on mental health, featuring books, documentaries, ebooks, and audiobooks that tackle this critical topic. Ensure that the collection includes resources that reflect various cultural perspectives on mental health, helping patrons find relevant and relatable content.  
  • World Languages: hoopla offers a selection of content in multiple languages. Libraries can curate collections that highlight works in world languages, allowing non-English speakers and language  
    learners to access resources in their preferred language.

Engaging Diverse Communities 

Libraries can engage with diverse communities and invite them to explore the wealth of resources available through hoopla.

  • Community Outreach: Collaborate with local organizations that focus on specific cultural groups to promote relevant collections. Hosting events or workshops that feature authors or topics from diverse  
    communities can also create excitement and encourage participation.  
  • Social Media Campaigns: Use social media platforms to showcase diverse content and encourage patron engagement. Highlight specific titles, authors, or themes that resonate with different segments of the community. Many images and supporting text for cultural heritage months can be found in the hoopla resource center.  
  • Inclusive Programming: Develop programming that incorporates diverse content, such as book clubs focusing on works by authors from underrepresented communities or panels discussing DEI issues. This programming can foster discussions and connections among patrons. Hoopla’s “The Club” provides quarterly themes and options for book clubs of all genres.  

Enhancing Mental Health Support Through Curated Resource Guides

Create comprehensive guides that direct patrons to mental health resources available on hoopla, including self-help ebooks, podcasts, and documentaries that address mental health topics from diverse perspectives. By leveraging hoopla to curate a wide array of content that reflects the rich diversity of our communities, librarians can foster a more inclusive environment for all patrons. This approach ensures that our libraries remain welcoming spaces where every individual feels valued and represented, ultimately strengthening the fabric of our communities. 

Check out these Collection ideas: