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How to Suspend (and Reactivate) a Hold

Say you know you'll be on vacation March 12th and you want to be sure you have the latest bestseller for two weeks of uninterrupted reading time. You're worried that if you place your hold too soon, the item will come in too early... but if you wait too long you might get stuck at the back of a long line.

This is where suspending your holds come in. You can place a hold on an item as early as you like, then suspend it immediately until a date of your choosing. You'll continue to move up the holds queue until you get to the front - and then pause until the date you picked.

Here's how:

1: Find the item you want to reserve and place your hold as usual.

Place a hold by searching for an item and clicking Place Request Set your preferred pick up branch using the drop-down menu and click submit request

You will have to log in with your library card and PIN if you haven't already. Then choose your pick-up location. Leave the activation date set to today.

2: Once the request has been submitted, you'll be prompted to view your list of requests, where you will see your list of active holds. Now that your hold has been placed, you can suspend it until a date of your choosing.

check the box next to the item you wish to suspend, then click suspend/reactivate hold

Check the box next to the item you want to suspend, then click Suspend/Reactivate Selected.

3. Choose your reactivation date and click Submit. Your hold will be suspended, but you will continue moving up the line at a normal rate.

Keep in mind that your hold may be reactivated on that date, but that doesn't mean a copy will be available. You may have to wait for someone to return one if all copies are checked out. If you want to be sure, check the availability of the item in the catalog when it gets closer to your desired date:

Use the Availability button in the item's catalog entry to see when items are due backCheck the due date about two weeks out from your desired date

Say you need the item for March 12th. Take a look two weeks before March 12th and see that a copy will be due March 9th. You can set your reactivation date to March 9th so that no one else has a chance to check it out right before the date you need it (assuming you've placed the initial hold early enough that you are now at the front of the line).

Remember to allow at least two days for the book to travel from its return location to your chosen branch!

Things to Remember About Suspending Holds:

• There is no guarantee that the person who has the item checked out before you will return it on time.

• Items can need up to two days to be delivered to your chosen branch if they were returned elsewhere.

• If you didn't place your initial hold far enough in advance, you may not be first in line when your reactivation date comes. You can always wait to suspend your hold until you see that you're close to the front of the line.

• If someone checks out the item right before your reactivation date, it will not change that person's due date; your hold will be activated, but you will still have to wait for the item to be returned before you can collect it.

Upcoming Events
Fri, Apr 25, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Join an open play Mahjong session; there is no instructor but other players may share tips/directions. Please bring a game set if you... more
Join an open play Mahjong session; there is no instructor but other players may share tips/directions. Please bring a game set if you have one! On-hand gaming supplies are limited. Ages 18 & over.
This event is full

Fri, Apr 25, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart Branch Library - Children's Area
Meet and read to a local LCC K-9 comfort dog and its handler. LCC K-9 comfort dogs show kindness and calm to people throughout the... more
Meet and read to a local LCC K-9 comfort dog and its handler. LCC K-9 comfort dogs show kindness and calm to people throughout the community and beyond, making them excellent listeners for all ages.

Sat, Apr 26, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Children are welcome to play chess in our meeting room during this open play session! Chess boards will be provided if you don't have... more
Children are welcome to play chess in our meeting room during this open play session! Chess boards will be provided if you don't have one! There is no instructor for this class.

Sat, Apr 26, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Get ready to read! Kids 5 and under will enjoy activities designed to foster pre-reading skills, while parents will learn new ways to... more
Get ready to read! Kids 5 and under will enjoy activities designed to foster pre-reading skills, while parents will learn new ways to prepare kids to read. Toys, therapy dogs, info booths, and more!

Sat, Apr 26, 11:00am - 12:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer.

Sat, Apr 26, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville Library - Room A
Get ready to sing, clap, and dance! Jim Gill’s music play creates the spirit of a family room in the concert hall and invites... more
Get ready to sing, clap, and dance! Jim Gill’s music play creates the spirit of a family room in the concert hall and invites children, parents, and grandparents to sing, dance, and play together!

Sat, Apr 26, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to play Bingo! All ages are welcome to play. Winners will be able to choose from a variety of small prizes.

Mon, Apr 28, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
Free citizenship classes to help prepare adults for the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS. Call 219-769-3541 ext.337 for more... more
Free citizenship classes to help prepare adults for the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS. Call 219-769-3541 ext.337 for more information.

Mon, Apr 28, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Mon, Apr 28, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
An ambitious reporter is ready for a serious assignment but when she is assigned the menial task of writing an obituary for an... more
An ambitious reporter is ready for a serious assignment but when she is assigned the menial task of writing an obituary for an unremarkable woman, she realizes this job will change her life.

Mon, Apr 28, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville Branch - Upper Level
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Mon, Apr 28, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
The Library is YOUR library. Help your local library create programs and initiatives that help and interest you. We'll brainstorm and... more
The Library is YOUR library. Help your local library create programs and initiatives that help and interest you. We'll brainstorm and discuss ways to improve teen programs.

Mon, Apr 28, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Join us for this monthly club as we solve murder mysteries, escape rooms, ponder puzzles, play games, and otherwise ask "Whodunit?". We... more
Join us for this monthly club as we solve murder mysteries, escape rooms, ponder puzzles, play games, and otherwise ask "Whodunit?". We will "Hunt a Killer" while solving "The Moon Summit Mystery"!

Mon, Apr 28, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B,Meeting Room C,Meeting Room D
Free English Classes for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Call 219-769-3541... more
Free English Classes for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Call 219-769-3541 ext. 337 for more information.

Mon, Apr 28, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Children's Program Room
Children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project.

Mon, Apr 28, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
Each month, we will explore a different component of art and do a corresponding activity.

Tue, Apr 29, 10:15am - 11:30am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Children, ages five and under, and their caregivers are invited to play toss across, bowling and mini golf. There may even be some bubbles!
This event is full

Tue, Apr 29, 10:30am - 11:00am
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books,... more
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.
This event is full

Tue, Apr 29, 11:00am - 11:30am
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Parents and caregivers of children, birth - 23 months, are welcome to chat with one another and enjoy a refreshment while children... more
Parents and caregivers of children, birth - 23 months, are welcome to chat with one another and enjoy a refreshment while children explore with books and puzzles! Registration is required.

Tue, Apr 29, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Join us as we play bird bingo and win some small prizes, while supplies last. All ability programs are geared towards adults with... more
Join us as we play bird bingo and win some small prizes, while supplies last. All ability programs are geared towards adults with special needs. Registration required.

Tue, Apr 29, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Purdue Extension Lake County, in partnership with the Lake County Health Department, will be offering 4 lessons on how you can "Be Heart... more
Purdue Extension Lake County, in partnership with the Lake County Health Department, will be offering 4 lessons on how you can "Be Heart Smart". Registration is required for all sessions.

Tue, Apr 29, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #3
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Tue, Apr 29, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Have you ever thought Dungeons & Dragons seemed like a cool game, but it should take place in space? If so, StarFinder is the game for... more
Have you ever thought Dungeons & Dragons seemed like a cool game, but it should take place in space? If so, StarFinder is the game for you! Come and enjoy Paizo's ttrpg space adventure game!

Wed, Apr 30, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
Free citizenship classes to help prepare adults for the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS. Call 219-769-3541 ext.337 for more... more
Free citizenship classes to help prepare adults for the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS. Call 219-769-3541 ext.337 for more information.

Wed, Apr 30, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
This lecture will introduce some of the basic concepts around artificial intelligence. We’ll talk about how AI is being used today,... more
This lecture will introduce some of the basic concepts around artificial intelligence. We’ll talk about how AI is being used today, what its current limitations are, and how it will shape the future!

Wed, Apr 30, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Learn defensive driving techniques, proven safety strategies, and new traffic laws and rules of the road during this program. This class... more
Learn defensive driving techniques, proven safety strategies, and new traffic laws and rules of the road during this program. This class is $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members.

Wed, Apr 30, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Bring your current craft project and join the conversation!

Wed, Apr 30, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Hobart - Programming Room
April is Financial Literacy Month! Centier Bank associates will be offering a series of four classes on: 1) Spending & Saving 2)... more
April is Financial Literacy Month! Centier Bank associates will be offering a series of four classes on: 1) Spending & Saving 2) Financial Recovery 3) Understanding Your Paycheck 4) Banking Services

Wed, Apr 30, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
St. John - Children's Program Room
Kids in grades K-6 are welcome to hang out in the children's room after school. Activities may include Lego, art projects, movies, and... more
Kids in grades K-6 are welcome to hang out in the children's room after school. Activities may include Lego, art projects, movies, and more! No registration required.

Wed, Apr 30, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville Branch - Upper Level
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Wed, Apr 30, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join us to learn how to make a basket out of paper!

Wed, Apr 30, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Cedar Lake - Public Tables
Join us and work on your crafts at the library! Bring yarn and a size H crochet hook or size 7 knitting needles and cotton yarn - or... more
Join us and work on your crafts at the library! Bring yarn and a size H crochet hook or size 7 knitting needles and cotton yarn - or bring along a project you're already working on!

Wed, Apr 30, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Teens are welcome to join us for an evening of gaming, board games, and puzzles! Test your skills and get ready for a night of great... more
Teens are welcome to join us for an evening of gaming, board games, and puzzles! Test your skills and get ready for a night of great vibes and unforgettable moments!

Wed, Apr 30, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Teens will make dessert kabobs using cake, donuts, fruit, and more! Ages 12-18. Registration required.

Wed, Apr 30, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - The Libratory
Walk through the 3D printing process at the Library - including printing your own take home token!
This event is full

Wed, Apr 30, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Learn more about genealogy with genealogist Herb Smith! We'll discuss the latest techniques to trace your family history, advances in... more
Learn more about genealogy with genealogist Herb Smith! We'll discuss the latest techniques to trace your family history, advances in genealogical technology, and more.

Thu, May 01, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Bring any low-mess craft (e.g., knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, coloring, origami, jewelry-making) and enjoy meeting and sharing ideas... more
Bring any low-mess craft (e.g., knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, coloring, origami, jewelry-making) and enjoy meeting and sharing ideas with other crafters during this program.  

Thu, May 01, 10:30am - 11:00am
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
For this storytime babies and toddlers will participate in stories, nursery rhymes, finger plays, and music activities designed to... more
For this storytime babies and toddlers will participate in stories, nursery rhymes, finger plays, and music activities designed to enhance important pre-literacy skills.

Thu, May 01, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Like to cross-stitch, knit, crochet, or do any other craft? Every Thursday, bring and work on your own project while enjoying the... more
Like to cross-stitch, knit, crochet, or do any other craft? Every Thursday, bring and work on your own project while enjoying the company of others.

Thu, May 01, 10:30am - 11:30am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Join us for an informational water safety class in partnership with the YMCA!

Thu, May 01, 10:30am - 11:15am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime program featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a craft that promote pre-reading skills for children ages 4-6. ... more
This is a storytime program featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a craft that promote pre-reading skills for children ages 4-6. Please register all attending.

Thu, May 01, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Elementary aged homeschool students are invited to join us for a unique project each month.
This event is full

Thu, May 01, 11:00am - 11:30am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early... more
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early literacy skills. Please register all attending.

Thu, May 01, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Thu, May 01, 11:30am - 12:15pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
Toddlers ages 2 and 3, accompanied by a caregiver, will participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities. Activities will help... more
Toddlers ages 2 and 3, accompanied by a caregiver, will participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities. Activities will help to develop important pre-literacy skills.
This event is full

Thu, May 01, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join the discussion of The Ghost Orchid by Jonathan Kellerman, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for May. Pick... more
Join the discussion of The Ghost Orchid by Jonathan Kellerman, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for May. Pick up a copy at the Highland Branch.

Thu, May 01, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Youth (ages 10-17) are invited to register and attend this event where we will be doing various STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering... more
Youth (ages 10-17) are invited to register and attend this event where we will be doing various STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activities.

Thu, May 01, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #3
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Thu, May 01, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join us on our journey! This is a family friendly Dungeons and Dragons campaign for preteens. We will be using Heroes of Sol'an - 5th... more
Join us on our journey! This is a family friendly Dungeons and Dragons campaign for preteens. We will be using Heroes of Sol'an - 5th edition. New players are welcome.

Thu, May 01, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Got leftover Easter egg dye? Come on by to use that and watercolors to dip-dye paper and paper towels!

Thu, May 01, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster Branch Library - Children's Area
In this program, children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer.

Thu, May 01, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B,Meeting Room C,Meeting Room D
Free English Classes for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Call 219-769-3541... more
Free English Classes for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Call 219-769-3541 ext. 337 for more information.

Thu, May 01, 6:00pm - 8:15pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join us for our next D&D campaign for adults! No experience is necessary, and we'll provide everything you need.

Sat, May 03, 9:30am - 12:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Adults and teens, please join us with your projects (knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc.) to chat and stitch! Bring your... more
Adults and teens, please join us with your projects (knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc.) to chat and stitch! Bring your supplies, and other attendees can instruct on crochet as needed.

Sat, May 03, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Interested in any of the needle arts including knit, crochet, cross-stitch, and more? Join us for an opportunity to chat and create.... more
Interested in any of the needle arts including knit, crochet, cross-stitch, and more? Join us for an opportunity to chat and create. Please bring your own projects.

Sat, May 03, 10:00am - 11:00am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own... more
Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own mat to class.

Sat, May 03, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Highland - Children's Programming Room
In this program participants will get the opportunity to read to a therapy dog. Ages 6-11. Registration is required.

Sat, May 03, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room,Large Meeting Room
Join us at the Lake Station-New Chicago Library to learn about the different careers in our community. Children can ask questions to the... more
Join us at the Lake Station-New Chicago Library to learn about the different careers in our community. Children can ask questions to the various vendors from bank tellers to policemen.

Sat, May 03, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Come and see the original Star Wars movie: New Hope. Popcorn and space treats will be available.

Sat, May 03, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Teens, join us to play Mario Kart on the Nintendo Switch. Bring your own joy-con controllers if you have them!