FAQs: Placing Holds

What is a hold?
A hold is a request to have a book, movie, or other material which may not be currently available. 

Why would I want to place a hold?
You may want to place a hold if the item you want is:
• currently on loan to another customer
• currently on order but not yet received by the library

What do I need to place a hold? Is there a charge?
You need a valid Milton Public Library card in good standing in order to place a hold. There is no charge for placing holds. You will only be charged if you do not pick up your hold by the pickup date. To avoid the fine, pick up or cancel your hold by the pickup date.

What kinds of library materials can I place on hold?
You may place a hold on any item that is available for borrowing, except:
• Book club sets
• Electronic devices
• Reference materials
• Unavailable items (where status is Missing, Lost/Paid, Storage)

I'm not able to place a hold. Why not?
There are a few possible reasons:
• It is an item listed above
• All the copies are for reference - which means people can only use it in the library
• Your card has expired
• You already have a copy of the title checked out or waiting for you on the hold shelf

How do I place a hold on the website?
Do a search for the item you are looking for. Each item that is available for holds will have a "Request it" button beside it.

How is the $1.00 fine for every hold being applied?
The fine is $1 for each expired hold (it is not a per-day fine). It is applied as soon as the hold expires.

How do I know when my hold is available for pickup?
As soon as the hold is available at your pickup branch, it will show in Your Account online. The day after your hold arrives, you will be notified by telephone or email.

What are my notification options?
You may choose to be notified by email or telephone when your holds become available.

How much time do I have to pick up my holds at the branch?
You have seven days from the day your hold arrives at the pickup branch.

How do I know when my hold will expire?
It is also shown in your email notifications and included in the telephone notification messages.
You can check the status of the Hold through My Account.

How can I see what I have on hold?
Sign in to your account with your library card and PIN. Select the Holds heading to see everything you have on hold. You will see any holds that are ready for pickup, in transit, or still on hold.

What does the hold position mean?
When your hold has the description "1 of 12", it means that you are the first person of 12 on the waiting list for that title. If you are "24 of 25", you are the 24th person of 25 people on the waiting list. The number of copies owned by the library is displayed below your position.