Answer

Almost all materials in our library's Search Catalogue can be placed 'on hold.' We sometimes also refer to this process as "placing a request."

  • When an item is requested, it means you've been placed in line for the next available copy of that item
  • When an item is held for you or "on hold", it means the copy you have requested is now sitting on the Holds shelf in your branch of choice

To place a request:

Full desktop view

  1. Search for the item in our Search Catalogue. A "Place Hold" button will be shown beside the item if it is available for requests.
  2. If you are not already logged in, you will be asked to do so. You will need your library card and PIN to log in.
  3. The system will next ask you the name of the branch where you want to pick the item up. You can choose from any of our 20 locations and the book will be shipped there for pickup.

Mobile view

  1. Search for the item in the mobile version of our Search Catalogue.
  2. Look for the three dots that appear next to the item you would like to request, and tap the dots to see the Place Hold menu.
  3. If you are not already logged in, you will be asked to do so. You will need your library card and PIN to log in.
  4. The system will next ask you the name of the branch where you want to pick the item up. You can choose from any of our 20 locations and the book will be shipped there for pickup.

  

Important notes about holds/requests:

  • There is no charge for this service
  • You can see your requested items and holds that are ready for pick-up by logging in to My Account online
  • You can have your requested item delivered to any of the 20 locations in our library system, including some locations with after-hours pickup (Smartlockers)
  • You can change the branch of choice on any requested item, unless the item is already delivered to the pickup location (sitting on the holds shelf)
  • Materials are delivered as quickly as possible, but we cannot guarantee a specific arrival date or time
  • You will be notified when your item is ready for pick-up by phone or by email
  • Once you are notified that a book is available to pick up, you have 7 days (including days that the library is closed, but not including statutory holidays) to pick it up
  • If you do not pick up your hold by the expiry date, you will be charged a Non-pickup of holds fee - see our Membership Guide / Guide destiné aux membres for more details

Last Update

Last Updated: Dec 04, 2023     Views: 2243

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    Comments (3)

    1. You indicated the last page to get into in order to reserve a book. But you did not indicate the page preceding this to indicate how to open the correct page to order a book. Does a person go to your homepage? There is nothing there that indicates how to reserve a book. Nor does it indicate on your home page what are the steps to follow. So how does a person get onto the page where you are tomorrow if you do not show all of the preceding steps?
      by Catherine on Feb 21, 2021
    2. Hi Catherine, I suppose our instructions were written with the assumption that someone already found a book that they wanted to reserve. We try to keep these FAQ answers as short and specific to the question as possible. We would have the answer to your question under "How do I search for books?" We are missing an FAQ on that, so we will add it. You are correct there are links and search boxes on our homepage to search for books. The "My Account" link in this FAQ will also bring you to the catalogue.
      by Mike@WPL on Jul 06, 2022
    3. Hi Clarissa. Are you sure that it was the item that was over the limit on holds? I've never seen that before, but there is a limit on how many holds a single customer can place. If I recall correctly, there is also a poorly worded error when someone tries to place a hold on something they already have a hold on. In whatever case, please follow up with us at https://wpl.winnipeg.ca/library/contactus/askus.asp
      by Mike@WPL on Sep 09, 2022

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