HOLLAND, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--hoopla Digital, the only all-in-one digital media app for public libraries and their patrons, today announced, together with Pottermore Publishing, the global digital Harry Potter™ publisher, that the highly-requested Harry Potter audiobook series –– as narrated by award-winning actor Stephen Fry –– will be made available to public libraries and their patrons in the U.S. and Canada for the first time ever starting July 1.
“The Harry Potter series has delighted fans of all ages for decades, and Stephen Fry’s narration brings so much charm to these audiobook recordings,” said Jennie McCann, Pottermore Publishing’s Managing Director. “We’re thrilled to work with hoopla to bring this audiobook series to libraries and their patrons across the U.S. and Canada, and invite both new and existing fans of the series into the world of Harry Potter™.”
Libraries across the U.S. and Canada have been requesting access to the Stephen Fry editions for years, as they have been in high demand among their patrons. Now, hoopla will provide the original and beloved UK audiobook recordings to libraries and their patrons in North America for the first time. The Fry narration of the full Harry Potter series will all be available instantly through hoopla, meaning no waits or holds are required for patrons to access and listen to the content. These will sit alongside the much-loved Jim Dale recordings, which will remain available. Between Dale’s theatric and lively performance, and Fry’s rich and eloquent narration, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
“We’re very excited to debut this additional Harry Potter experience providing libraries and patrons even more audiobook content from a series as beloved as Harry Potter – without having to experience long holds or waits to access them,” said Brad Rose, VP of Content Strategy at hoopla Digital. “Harry Potter has been among the most popular ebook and audiobook titles on our platform, and with this new launch, we’re able to give patrons access to Stephen Fry’s classic performances for the first time.”
Attendees of the American Library Association Annual Conference & Exhibition in San Diego, California this week from June 27 - July 2 will be able to learn more about hoopla’s collaboration with Pottermore, as hoopla Digital will be exhibiting at booth #1151. Ann Ford, VP of Sales and Support at hoopla, will also be leading a discussion, “A Library’s Guide to Building a Long-Term Digital Strategy,” on Saturday June 29th from 11-11:30 am and 3-3:30 pm PST, that will take place at hoopla Digital’s booth. On Friday June 28th hoopla will also be sponsoring and attending the “Rally for the Right to Read” event at the conference, and will host a Christmas in July party celebrating its Hallmark Movies Now BingePass later that evening, where attendees can learn more about hoopla’s BingePass offerings.
For more information or to access the new Stephen Fry recordings of the Harry Potter audiobook series on hoopla, cardholders of participating libraries can download the free hoopla mobile app on their Android or iOS device or visit hoopladigital.com.
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 110+ world languages, content on hoopla is available for free to library patrons 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 Pottermore Publishing
Pottermore Publishing is the global digital audiobook and eBook publisher of J.K. Rowling’s multi-million bestselling Harry Potter series and associated titles. Working with a global network of retail and library partners, Pottermore Publishing prioritises accessibility, creativity, and innovation as it brings these beloved stories to life for each generation of readers and listeners to discover.
