Hoopla is proud to deepen its commitment to the library community—not just as a digital content provider, but as a true partner in shaping the future of public libraries. This commitment was on display when I, along with members of our management team, attended the Urban Libraries Council’s CEO Roundtable in Toronto. This prestigious gathering brought together leaders from nearly 70 urban public library systems across North America for two and a half days of transformative dialogue on libraries’ social impact.
While vendor participation in such events is often limited to sponsorships or exhibit booths, Hoopla’s presence at the table marked a pivotal shift. We were not just observers—we were active participants in conversations that extended far beyond digital services, touching on equity, community engagement, workforce development, and more.
I was honored to be part of a particularly powerful moment at the event that was captured in a photo. The picture, showing myself seated among library leaders, listening intently, is a visual representation of Hoopla’s commitment to being present, engaged, and respectful of the voices shaping the future of libraries. That image speaks volumes: we’re not just in the room—we’re part of the conversation.
Being at the table means more than just being present—it means being invited into the dialogue, trusted as a collaborator, and seen as a stakeholder in the future of libraries. It’s a recognition that Hoopla is not just a vendor, but a partner who understands the broader mission of libraries and is ready to contribute meaningfully to it.
This moment reflects Hoopla’s vision: to be part of the solution in all aspects of library service. We believe libraries are essential pillars of thriving communities, and we are committed to listening, learning, and working side by side with library leaders to support their evolving missions.
We don’t take this seat at the table lightly. It’s a responsibility we embrace—with humility, with purpose, and with a deep respect for the role libraries play in shaping equitable, informed, and connected communities. Hoopla is here not just to provide content—but to be a thoughtful, engaged partner in the conversations and strategies that shape the future of libraries.
Ann Ford
Vice President, Sales + Customer Support at Hoopla Digital
Ann has 20 years of experience in the library industry and currently leads Hoopla’s Sales and Customer Support teams. Ann’s expertise and deep understanding of the library space has enabled Hoopla’s business to evolve and grow to better serve the changing needs of public libraries and their patrons. Today, Ann focuses on supporting public libraries and their important role in the community through responsiveness to changing public library demands, along with meaningful policy and collection development, DEI initiatives, community programs, workflow enhancements and online tools and resources that assist librarians in doing their jobs.
