Placing Holds

Are there any materials on which I cannot place holds?

Reference books are not available for loan, except in special circumstances; they may not be placed on hold.

Can holds be placed on compact discs?

Yes.

Can I change the location of my hold pickup online?

No. Call your local library to see if you can change the pickup location of your hold.

Can I place holds on DVDs?

Yes.

Can I place holds online?

Yes. When you find the item that you want in our catalog, click the Place Request button on the right side and follow the steps.

How can I cancel a hold placed on an item?

Log into your patron record and go to the Holds list. You will see the option to cancel holds on that screen

How can I get an item that is not owned by PGCMLS?

If the item is recently released, call a branch to check on the order status of the item. For other items not owned by PGCMLS, try the Marina network. For items you cannot find in Marina, inquire at a branch library about interlibrary loan.

How long does it take to get my holds?

The length of time depends on the number of copies available in the Library System and the length of the waiting list, i.e. the number of customers who have also placed a hold on the title. Titles which have copies available on the shelf at the time the hold is placed and no waiting list may fulfill the request as soon as the next day. Items with a limited number of copies and/or a long waiting list may take up to several months.

How will I be informed when my hold comes in?

You will be informed when to pick up your holds by telephone or e­mail. You have seven days to pick up your items. If you want email notification and do not currently get it, notify your local branch of your current email address and request that they turn off Phone Notification.

I am going on vacation. Can I inactivate my holds?

You can suspend your holds using My Account through the catalog, or with help from Library staff.

If I place a hold on an item that shows “on shelf,” will it go immediately to my pick up point so that I can pick it up the next day?

No. When you place a hold, you must wait to be notified that the material is available. If an item shows “on shelf,” you can telephone the owning branch to have staff check on the availability of the material. If available, the material can be sent to the library branch most convenient to you.

What is the charge to hold an item?

There is no charge to place a hold on an item that is in the PGCMLS collection or that is available from the Marina cooperative network.

For materials that are reserved from libraries outside the network through the interlibrary loan process, we will try first to borrow from free sources.  If there is a charge, we will contact you to confirm you are willing to pay the amount before requesting the item.