Place Hold

How do I place a hold?

Almost all materials at Forsyth County Public Library may be requested by placing a hold. Holds may be used to get an item from another location or to reserve a copy when all are checked out.

Materials that cannot have holds placed include: feature film DVDs, reference books, newspapers, magazines, and other non-circulating and historical items, such as those in the North Carolina Room.

To place a hold from our website, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Online Catalog.
    Note: If you plan to place several holds, you can log into your library account first (top right corner of the catalog page). This allows you to place hold requests without entering your card number and PIN multiple times.
  2. Search for the words or phrase, or use the drop-down menu to choose author, title, subject, or series. (Remember that periodicals cannot be reserved.)
  3. From the list of results, find the item you wish to reserve and click the title.
  4. Click on Place Hold.
  5. Type in your library card number and PIN in the appropriate boxes, and choose the library location where you want to pick up your material.
  6. Click the Place Hold button. A message box displays to tell you that the hold was placed successfully or why there was a problem placing the hold.

When your hold arrives at the library you requested, you will receive notification by email, phone, or letter. Plan to pick up the item for checkout within seven (7) days.

If you want to change how you are notified, just Ask your Librarian! The fastest notification method is email, which is also environmentally friendly! If you make your request by email, please include your library card number and email address.

Interlibrary Loan

Requests from other libraries can happen at your nearest FCPL location or online.

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a service provided to library patrons seeking books not held in our system. Patrons must be borrowers in good standing and are limited to three active requests at any given time.

Patrons preferring to pick up and return ILL materials at a given branch should request the materials at that branch. Requests may be made in person, by phone, or online. Each request takes approximately 4 - 6 weeks to process and receive. Interlibrary Loan is provided free of charge unless a charge is indicated by the lending library. To request a book online, Ask your Librarian.