Understanding & Managing Your Holds at the Library

Some things at the library are just worth the wait. So we place the hold and we wait. And then we think, “It must be ready now.” But, if you check your account you’ll find any number of words in the status column of your holds list. Here’s how to decode your hold:  

Pending - The item you are requesting is “in” at one of our Café Libraries and your request is being processed.  

Active - Our system is looking for the item you requested. If others are waiting for the same item, it may not be available right away (the number in the “queue” column is your place in line).  

Shipped - Your item is on the way! We will contact you when it is ready to be picked up.  

Held - This means your item is ready to be picked up at your library. We will hold your item four days. Then it will be returned to the shelf or given to the next person in line.  

Cancelled - This hold is no longer active. However, you can reactivate it.  

Inactive - You have placed an item on hold but do not want our system to look for it until a future time -- a date set by you within your library account. (You may also hear this referred to as "suspending" your hold. An inactive hold is the same thing as a suspended hold.)

And, as always, if you ever have any questions or need to make changes on your holds, stop in, give us a call or check your account online. We are always happy to help you manage the materials you need!

Happy Reading!