Skip to main content
close
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.

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, Mar 29, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Join us for a Mario Kart Tournament! Winner gets a prize. Must Register. Ages 11-17.
Registration is now closed

Mon, Apr 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.
This event is full

Mon, Apr 01, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Purdue Extension Lake County, partnering with the Alzheimer's Association®, will offer 4 classes about the growing need for detection... more
Purdue Extension Lake County, partnering with the Alzheimer's Association®, will offer 4 classes about the growing need for detection and support of Alzheimer's disease and dementia in our community.

Mon, Apr 01, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Four best friends take their book club to Italy for the fun girls trip they never had. However, their relaxing vacation turns into a... more
Four best friends take their book club to Italy for the fun girls trip they never had. However, their relaxing vacation turns into a once-in-a-lifetime cross-country adventure. PG-13; 107mins.

Mon, Apr 01, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Come and enjoy this afternoon movie with us! Popcorn and snacks will be served. Seating is limited. Registration is required.

Mon, Apr 01, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be... more
Children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be displayed in the library until the next LEGO® Club meeting.

Mon, Apr 01, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Earn volunteer hours and help the St. John Branch create teen programs, displays, and more! Refreshments will be served. Grades 6-12.... more
Earn volunteer hours and help the St. John Branch create teen programs, displays, and more! Refreshments will be served. Grades 6-12. Please register.

Mon, Apr 01, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens in 6th-12th grades are invited to join the Chess Club. Please register and bring your own board.

Mon, Apr 01, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Are you a fan of anime or manga? If so, come to our monthly Teen Anime Club to find new anime to watch. We watch 3-4 episodes of your... more
Are you a fan of anime or manga? If so, come to our monthly Teen Anime Club to find new anime to watch. We watch 3-4 episodes of your choosing each month. Ages 12-18.

Mon, Apr 01, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
April is Financial Literacy Month! Centier Bank associates will be offering a series of four classes on: 1) Budgeting & Savings, 2)... more
April is Financial Literacy Month! Centier Bank associates will be offering a series of four classes on: 1) Budgeting & Savings, 2) Credit & Paying Down Debt, 3) Homeownership, and 4) Retirement.

Tue, Apr 02, 10:15am - 10:45am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help... more
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Apr 02, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Children's Program Room
Toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft.

Tue, Apr 02, 10:30am - 11:30am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Join us for this month's travel film about Prague. Runtime: 60 mins. Light refreshments will be served. Please register.

Tue, Apr 02, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, music and a craft that teach early literacy skills. ... more
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, music and a craft that teach early literacy skills. Please register all attending.

Tue, Apr 02, 10:30am - 11:00am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote... more
This is a 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.

Tue, Apr 02, 10:30am - 11:00am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Babies and toddlers birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music,... 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.

Tue, Apr 02, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join fellow baby and toddler caregivers after our storytime for a cup of coffee or tea and some conversation. Storytime attendance is... more
Join fellow baby and toddler caregivers after our storytime for a cup of coffee or tea and some conversation. Storytime attendance is not required.

Tue, Apr 02, 11:00am - 11:30am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help... more
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Apr 02, 11:30am - 12:15pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
During this themed storytime children, 4 and 5 years old, will hear stories and participate in music activities, rhymes, and other... more
During this themed storytime children, 4 and 5 years old, will hear stories and participate in music activities, rhymes, and other activities, with an emphasis on important early pre-reading skills.

Tue, Apr 02, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
In this program, toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft. Registration Required.

Tue, Apr 02, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
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.

Wed, Apr 03, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Red Cross certified CPR instructors will provide free training for Lake County residents on CPR with emphasis on CPR for babies.

Wed, Apr 03, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Do you enjoy crafting? Do you wish you had friendly people to work with on those crafts? Bring your current project and enjoy the... more
Do you enjoy crafting? Do you wish you had friendly people to work with on those crafts? Bring your current project and enjoy the company every Wednesday! All crafts are welcome.

Wed, Apr 03, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
The Basement Bunch with Debbie Rodriguez will be hosting a series of classes on how to make greeting cards.

Rescheduled
Wed, Apr 03, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
New date Wednesday, April 17, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Merrillville
Learn the basics of crochet and begin creating a hacky sack!

Wed, Apr 03, 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 03, 5:00pm - 5:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Families can join for stories in Spanish and English!

Wed, Apr 03, 5:30pm - 7:45pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Come watch the Tom Hank's starring movie about returning to Earth from the moon and learn some facts about the April 8th Solar Eclipse.

Wed, Apr 03, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Why should the kids get to have all the fun? Join us on the 1st Wednesday of each month for adult Dungeons & Dragons and experience the... more
Why should the kids get to have all the fun? Join us on the 1st Wednesday of each month for adult Dungeons & Dragons and experience the adventure! Seats are limited, so registration is required.
This event is full

Wed, Apr 03, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room,Munster Zoom Room
Teens get volunteer hours! In April, bring a friend & get an extra volunteer hour! Interested teens, ages 11 - 17, can attend. Zoom... more
Teens get volunteer hours! In April, bring a friend & get an extra volunteer hour! Interested teens, ages 11 - 17, can attend. Zoom available. Please register.

Thu, Apr 04, 10:15am - 10:45am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
This half hour lap-sit program uses songs and rhymes to foster language development.

Thu, Apr 04, 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 in this twice-monthly club.

Thu, Apr 04, 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, Apr 04, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Author and artist Samuel Love will lead a free 6 week workshop series about developing and executing oral history projects. This... more
Author and artist Samuel Love will lead a free 6 week workshop series about developing and executing oral history projects. This workshop series is designed for ages 65+ but is open to all.

Thu, Apr 04, 10:30am - 11:15am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft that teach pre-reading skills for kids 4-6.

Thu, Apr 04, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Elementary aged homeschool students are invited to join us for a unique art or STEM project each month.

Thu, Apr 04, 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 take home craft, that teach... more
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a take home craft, that teach early literacy skills. Please register all attending.

Thu, Apr 04, 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.
This event is full

Thu, Apr 04, 11:15am - 11:45am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
This half hour lap-sit program uses songs and rhymes to foster language development.

Thu, Apr 04, 11:30am - 12:15pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
Space themed program for toddlers, 2 and 3 years of age, accompanied by a caregiver to participate in stories, finger plays, and music... more
Space themed program for toddlers, 2 and 3 years of age, accompanied by a caregiver to participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities.

Thu, Apr 04, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join the discussion of No Plan B, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for April. Pick up a copy at the Highland... more
Join the discussion of No Plan B, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for April. Pick up a copy at the Highland Branch.

Thu, Apr 04, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join us on our journey: Heroes of Sol'an, 5th edition family friendly Dungeons and Dragons campaign for preteens. New players welcome.

Thu, Apr 04, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Watch some anime episodes and discuss dramatic eclipses before seeing (a likely less dramatic) one yourself on April 8th!

Thu, Apr 04, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
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.

Thu, Apr 04, 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. Please register all... more
In this program children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer. Please register all those planning to attend.

Sat, Apr 06, 9:30am - 12:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Join us with your current projects (knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc.) to chat and create! Bring your own supplies, and... more
Join us with your current projects (knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc.) to chat and create! Bring your own supplies, and other attendees would be happy to instruct on crochet as needed.

Sat, Apr 06, 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, Apr 06, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Join us and create a unique painting with assistance from local artist Mary Stang-Helm. Cash fee of $25 paid at time of event covers all... more
Join us and create a unique painting with assistance from local artist Mary Stang-Helm. Cash fee of $25 paid at time of event covers all materials. Class begins promptly at 10:00 a.m.

Sat, Apr 06, 10:00am - 10:45am
St. John - Children's Program Room
Stories, fingerplays, music, related activities and a craft are all included in this storytime for children and their family members.

Sat, Apr 06, 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, Apr 06, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
You are cordially invited to join us in celebrating the installation of the new elevator at the Hobart Branch of Lake County Public... more
You are cordially invited to join us in celebrating the installation of the new elevator at the Hobart Branch of Lake County Public Library. Light refreshments will be served.