Holland, OH -- September 15, 2025. Hoopla Digital, the only all-in-one digital media app for public libraries and their patrons, is expanding its popular Library Marketing Makeover program in 2026 through new partnerships with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL) and the Connecticut Library Consortium (CLC). Inspired by television home makeover shows, the program connects libraries with volunteer marketing experts from both inside and outside the library world to refresh and improve their marketing and outreach strategies. Member libraries of ARSL and CLC will have the opportunity to apply for a free marketing makeover.
"Libraries are the heart of their communities, and we believe their stories deserve to be told with clarity, creativity, and confidence," said Ann Ford, Vice President of Sales and Customer Support at Hoopla. "We're thrilled to partner with ARSL and CLC to help libraries not just imagine better marketing, but actually make it happen."
The program was originally created by Trenton Smiley, Hoopla's Director of Customer Messaging and an award-winning library marketer. After years of leading workshops and conference sessions, Smiley noticed that while many attendees left inspired, they often struggled to implement the ideas in their own libraries. The makeover program was designed to bridge that gap by offering hands-on help and real results that other libraries could replicate.
Smiley brought the program to Hoopla in 2024, launching it in Michigan through a partnership with the Library Cooperatives of Michigan. Nearly 60 libraries expressed interest, and seven received full makeovers. The enthusiastic response confirmed the program's potential to grow and inspired Hoopla to explore broader collaborations.
"During a discussion with Trenton about ways Hoopla could support library members, he pitched the Library Marketing Makeover program, and I immediately saw how much this could help rural and small libraries," said Kate Laughlin, Executive Director of ARSL. "It is a thoughtful, hands-on program that meets libraries where they are and helps them shine in ways that are both practical and inspiring."
"I was immediately intrigued by the Library Marketing Makeover after seeing the buzz around the Michigan launch," added Ellen Paul, Executive Director of CLC. "It is a smart, creative approach to library outreach and one that aligns perfectly with our strategic plan. We believe this will be truly impactful for libraries across Connecticut."
Makeover deliverables include:
- A new or updated social media strategy with graphics
- A refreshed style guide with flyer templates
- Help securing a Google Ad Grant (worth up to $10,000 per month)
- A marketing and outreach strategy tailored to the library's service area
- A website assessment
Two additional partners are helping power the expansion. Koios, a marketing technology company, boosts library visibility through search engine optimization and Google Ads. The John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation supports libraries, literacy, and community engagement in rural communities. Eldred was the co-founder of Midwest Tape, the parent company of Hoopla.
This program reflects Hoopla's broader commitment to libraries—not only by leading the movement to think about digital differently, but by investing in the tools, ideas, and partnerships that help libraries tell their stories, strengthen their communities, and shape the future of library service.
Libraries interested in participating should watch for application details from ARSL in the spring and from CLC in the fall of 2026.
About Hoopla Digital
With a mission to serve public libraries and their patrons, Hoopla is the only all-in-one app that provides online and mobile access to millions of eBooks, audiobooks, comics and manga, music, movies, TV, and more with BingePass. Available in 115 world languages, content on Hoopla is available for free with a valid library card. Hoopla is the pioneer of the pay per use model that allows library patrons to borrow content immediately, no waits or holds required. Headquartered in Holland, Ohio, Hoopla is a service of Midwest Tape, a trusted partner to public libraries for over 30 years. For more information or to download the Hoopla app, visit HooplaDigital.com.
About the Connecticut Library Consortium
The Connecticut Library Consortium (CLC) is a state-mandated nonprofit organization that supports, strengthens, connects, and champions Connecticut libraries. CLC provides purchasing contracts, professional development, and other value-added services for its 1,000+ public, academic, school, and special library members, and promotes libraries as fundamental to a literate, equitable, and just society. Learn more at https://www.ctlibrarians.org.
About the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL)
The Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) is a national organization dedicated to empowering library professionals in rural and small communities. ARSL champions equitable access to resources, professional development, and advocacy tailored to the unique needs of libraries serving diverse and often underserved populations. Guided by its mission to strengthen rural and small libraries, ARSL fosters collaboration, innovation, and community engagement across the library landscape. Through strategic partnerships, inclusive programming, and a commitment to excellence, ARSL helps ensure that every library—regardless of size or location—can thrive and make a lasting impact.