ROCHELLE — The Flagg-Rochelle Public Library recently implemented the Hoopla program for its patrons to borrow a variety of services and one local family made a donation in honor of a loved one when they learned of the program.
“Kathy Hollonbeck and her family contacted us and wanted to make a donation in memory of her mother, Genevieve Madigan, and they would like for us to use this money towards our new digital platform, Hoopla,” Flagg-Rochelle Public Library Director Sarah Flanagan said.
Through the Hoopla program, patrons are able to search and borrow audiobooks, eBooks, comics, music, movies and TV. First, patrons will have to set up an account at https://www.hoopladigital.com. Once registered, patrons may stream the item or download to their device.
“My mother was an avid reader and as she got older and developed macular degeneration she began utilizing her Kindle to get and read books,” Kathy Hollonbeck said. “We decided that we would make this donation in her memory.”
According to Flanagan, Jane DeGolier called and suggested Hoopla. 
“During COVID, I have depended, more than ever, on access to library books. I continue to like holding a book in my hands, but for the time that the library was closed, I needed to find a source for online literature,” DeGolier said. “Many neighboring communities were able to use the Hoopla app to check out ebooks through their local libraries. I was very disappointed to learn that this was not available to Flagg-Rochelle patrons. When our library opened again, I mentioned this to Sarah. I am so happy to share that Sarah and our library board has made the decision to add Hoopla to the many services offered in Rochelle. In addition to reading, we can all enjoy audio books, music and movies from the convenience of our homes.”

Other services
The library is currently open by appointment only. Masks are required and patrons can schedule 30-minute appointments by calling 815-562-3431, by e-mail at rochellereaders@gmail.com or schedule a time on the library website at flaggrochellepubliclibrary.org.
Hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Curbside services are also offered and are very popular. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Patrons can place their holds via phone at 815-562-3431, the Prairie Cat Encore Catalog or e-mail at rochellereaders@gmail.com. If you choose to place your order via Encore please select Flagg-Rochelle Public Library after you search to ensure that you are placing your hold on our materials. You can place holds on materials from other libraries, but remember that everything must be quarantined for seven days before it will be available for checkout. You will need your library card number to place holds on our materials.
Staff will call or e-mail patrons when their items are ready for pick-up. Patrons will call when they arrive at the library and park in a numbered parking stall. Please tell us that you have arrived, the parking stall number you chose and your library card number.
Staff will check out materials to you and bring your materials out to your vehicle in a bag.
Staff will not take returns. All returns must be placed in the book drop. Library staff will be wearing masks when they are delivering materials to your vehicles.