How to Put a Book on Hold

Did you know you can reserve a book without coming to the library? It’s simple, free, and fast, and today we’ll go over the steps you’ll need to take to ensure that your book is ready for pickup when you have time.

First, go to the Macedon Public Library’s webpage, at https://macedonpubliclibrary.org/. Click on the prominent buttons to visit either the regular catalog, or our catalog of books that are available digitally.

Today we’ll choose the “View the OWWL Catalog” button to see what physical books are in the library. When you click, you’ll come to this screen:

Note the window on top where you can type in a specific book title, author, or keyword. If you wish to browse, the boxes under that window are helpful. They break out fiction and nonfiction, as well as books for teens, children, movies, and other categories. Note that some of these categories are limited to books in the MPL’s physical collection, and some to items that are anywhere in the system. Let’s say you want a new adult book that’s currently at MPL. You’ll click on that box on the right, and it will lead you here:

You can scroll down and see more books, all of them recently added to the catalog. Choose one that looks appealing, and click on it. Let’s say you’re interested in White River Crossing, by Ian McGuire. Clicking on the image will take you to this pop-up:

Here, you can read more about the book, decide if you’d like to try it, and then see if it’s available. Although this book is currently checked out, you can still click on Place Hold and the book will be set aside for you when it’s returned, and you’ll receive a message saying that it’s available. When you click on the Place Hold button, you’ll see this screen, unless you are already logged in:

Fill in the required information there, and you’ll come to:

Now it’s easy: fill in your email or phone number as requested, click on the Submit Hold Request button at the bottom, and you’re all set.

Books on hold are placed on a shelf behind the circulation desk. They stay there for a limited period of time, so you’ll want to stop by and pick up your book within a week of placing the hold.

Note that you can place a hold on books that are at any OWWL library, not just MPL. This expands your ability to find the exact book that you’re looking for.

This is a great way to reserve a book when you’re too busy to come to the library or the weather makes it a challenge to get here. We hope this is helpful info, and hope to see you soon at the MPL!