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Upcoming Changes to Digital Checkout and Hold Limits Effective June 1, 2025

A purple background with the words 'Digital Checkout & Hold Limits Update'
Article Date
May 23, 2025

To continue offering a wide variety of high-quality digital content in a fiscally responsible way, the St. Charles City-County Library will adjust digital checkout and hold limits starting June 1, 2025. These updates reflect the increasing popularity and rising costs of digital media and will help us manage resources wisely while continuing to meet demand.

Understanding How Digital Materials Work
Digital materials now make up nearly half of the Library’s entire materials budget. Unlike physical books, most eBooks and eAudiobooks cost libraries 3–4 times more than retail prices, and they must be re-purchased after a limited number of checkouts or after a set time. Digital checkouts in the Overdrive/Libby app also function like physical items—one person per copy at a time—so the Library licenses multiple copies to meet high demand. This leasing model, along with increased usage, means careful budgeting is essential to ensure continued access for everyone.

Why These Changes?

  • Hoopla usage increased by 120% between 2019 and 2024.

  • OverDrive usage increased by 63% from 2020 to 2024.

  • In April 2025, the average Hoopla user checked out 3.79 items, well below the current monthly limit of 10 items per month.

  • Usage patterns indicate that only a small number of customers will be impacted by the Overdrive changes. Around 4% of users have 20 or more holds. This number changes daily and is approximately 600 of the 15,000 customers who currently have holds. 

These changes reflect our commitment to making digital content sustainable, equitable, and available to as many users as possible.

What’s Changing on June 1, 2025?

  • Libby/OverDrive
    • Hold limit will change from 50 to 20 items
    • Checkout limit will change from 20 to 10 items
  • Hoopla
    • Monthly checkout limit will change from 10 to 6 items per month
  • Kanopy
    • Monthly ticket allotment will change from 30 to 25 tickets per month

Helpful Tips for a Smooth Transition

  • In Libby, create a ‘To Read’ tag to keep track of titles you'd like to read later.

  • Try a sample before checking out (available in Libby).

  • Return items early when you’re finished. This not only helps others get access sooner, but it also frees up space in your own checkout limit so you can borrow more items.

  • Use our online catalog to explore all available formats of a title. You may find it available in print, audiobook, or DVD.

  • Continue using eMagazines in Libby, as they do not count toward your checkout limit.

We appreciate your understanding as we make these changes to maintain responsible stewardship of public funds while supporting the community’s growing demand for digital content. If you have any questions or need help using your digital resources, Library staff are here to help.