Holds and Waiting Lists

• Can I pick up a title being held for my spouse/child/friend?
• The title I want is checked out. Can I add my name to a waiting list?
• Can I make a request for a title available at another library?
• I tried to place a request, but it would not accept my library card. What is wrong?
• Where do I pick up a title being held for me?
• How long will you hold a title for me?
• Where am I on the waiting list?

Can I pick up a title being held for my spouse/child/friend?

If your spouse/child/friend received a hold pickup notice for a title they had on a waiting list, the title can only be checked out on their library card. You will need that library card in order to check out the title. If you do not have that library card we will not be able to check out the title.

If your spouse/child/friend called the Library to have an available title held for them or delivered from another branch it can be checked out on the library card of whomever is picking up the title.

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The title I want is checked out. Can I add my name to a waiting list?

If you have a resident or contract resident West Bloomfield Township Public Library card you can add your name to a waiting list for all titles with the exception of 1-Day Loan Adult Feature DVDs and Rental Books. There are two ways to add your name to a waiting list:

• Find the title in the Library Catalog and select the "Place Hold" button. Enter your name, library card number and select a pickup location and submit your request. When a copy of your title becomes available we will contact you either by email, phone or regular mail.
• Call any Information Desk and make your request over the phone. At the Main Library you can call either the Adult Information Desk (248-232-2290) or the Youth Information Desk (248-232-2250.) The Westacres Branch Information Desk can be reached at 248-232-2420.

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Can I make a request for a title available at another library?

If the West Bloomfield Township Public Library does not own the title or topic you are looking for you can use the online MeL Resource Sharing Program to locate and request the material to be delivered to the Library. After searching the Library Catalog click on the "Search Other Libraries" MeL logo. Once you find your title, select "Get this for me!" and follow the on-screen directions to place your request. You will receive a pickup notice when the item arrives. Most items arrive within 3-5 business days.

If the specific title you need is not available through MeL, contact the Adult Information Desk at the Main Library (248-232-2290) or the Westacres Branch (248-232-2420) to place your request through an alternative source.

These services are available for no charge to resident and contract resident West Bloomfield Township Public Library cardholders.

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I tried to place a request, but it would not accept my library card. What is wrong?

There could be several reasons a request was not accepted.

• An error was made when entering your name or library card number. Hint: you only need to enter either your first or last name, not both.
• A pickup location was not selected. You must select your preferred pickup location when placing a request. Requests can be picked up at the Main Library Lobby, Main Library Drive-Up Window, or the Westacres Branch.
• The item is currently available on the shelves. Please call the Information Desk to have the item retrieved from the shelves and set aside for you.
• Only resident and contract resident cards are eligible to place requests.
• Your card may be expired or you may be over the fine limit.

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Where do I pick up a title being held for me?

The Hold Pickup Notice you received should indicate if the title is available for pick-up at either the Main Library Lobby or Drive-up Window or at the Westacres Branch. The pickup location is selected at the time you place your request.

InMICH requests and materials sent from another library (interloans) are kept behind the Circulation Desk. A staff member will need to retrieve your request for you.

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How long will you hold a title for me?

If you receive a Hold Pickup Notice, either by phone, email or mail, the item will be held for seven (7) days. If you receive your notice by email or mail, the last date for pickup will appear on the notice.

If you called the library to set aside an item that was available on the shelves it will be held for seven (7) days. Due to their high demand, new Feature DVDs/Videos will only be held for one (1) day.

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Where am I on the waiting list?

You can check your position on the waiting list for any title you have requested either online or by phone to 248-232-2210. Both of these services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days year. You will need your library card number to access your library card account.

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Last Update: July 11, 2007