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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
Tue, Sep 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, Sep 02, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Large Meeting 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.

Tue, Sep 02, 10:30am - 11:00am
Highland - Children's Programming 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.
This event is full

Tue, Sep 02, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft.

Tue, Sep 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,... 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, Sep 02, 10:30am - 11:30am
St. John - Children's Program Room
Join us for this month's travel film about California. Light refreshments will be served. Please register.

Tue, Sep 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, Sep 02, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Baby, toddler and caregiver hour to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and toys!

Tue, Sep 02, 11:30am - 11:50am
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, Sep 02, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
During this storytime 4 and 5 year olds will hear stories and participate in music activities, rhymes, and other activities, with an... more
During this storytime 4 and 5 year olds will hear stories and participate in music activities, rhymes, and other activities, with an emphasis on important early pre-reading skills.

Tue, Sep 02, 12:00pm - 12:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Children, ages 2-5, are invited to join us in the Children's Programming Room to play with unique toys and socialize.

Tue, Sep 02, 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.
This event is full

Tue, Sep 02, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Munster - Children's Program Room
Come in to the library and enjoy some crafting!

Wed, Sep 03, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Bring your current craft project and join in the conversation! Please register.

Cancelled
Wed, Sep 03, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville
Explore writing about milestones and memories in short, powerful micro memoirs.

Wed, Sep 03, 3:00pm - 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 art projects, movies, science... more
Kids in grades K-6 are welcome to hang out in the children's room after school. Activities may include art projects, movies, science projects, games, and more! No registration required.

Cancelled
Wed, Sep 03, 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, Sep 03, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Cedar Lake Library - 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, Sep 03, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Hannah Nicole Maehrer about Accomplice to the Villain, and the Assistant to the... more
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Hannah Nicole Maehrer about Accomplice to the Villain, and the Assistant to the Villain series.

Wed, Sep 03, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
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

Wed, Sep 03, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Teens can earn volunteer hours by making decorations and displays for TeenTober, a nationwide celebration of teens every... more
Teens can earn volunteer hours by making decorations and displays for TeenTober, a nationwide celebration of teens every October! Grades 6-12. Snacks will be provided. Registration required.

Wed, Sep 03, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Why should the kids get to have all the fun? Join us 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 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

Thu, Sep 04, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Large Meeting 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.

Thu, Sep 04, 10:30am - 11:15am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Storytime featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a take home craft that promote pre-reading skills for kids 4-6. Please register.

Thu, Sep 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, Sep 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 during this program.  

Thu, Sep 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. 
This event is full

Thu, Sep 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 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, Sep 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, Sep 04, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
Program for toddlers, 2 and 3 years of age, accompanied by a caregiver to participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities.... more
Program for toddlers, 2 and 3 years of age, accompanied by a caregiver to participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities. Activities will help to develop important pre-literacy skills.

Thu, Sep 04, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join the discussion of A Death in Cornwall, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for September. Pick up a copy at... more
Join the discussion of A Death in Cornwall, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for September. Pick up a copy at the Highland Branch.

Thu, Sep 04, 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.
This event is full

Thu, Sep 04, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join us on a family friendly, Dungeons and Dragons, campaign for preteens. We'll be referencing Heroes of Sol'an, 5th edition, for this... more
Join us on a family friendly, Dungeons and Dragons, campaign for preteens. We'll be referencing Heroes of Sol'an, 5th edition, for this adventure. New players are welcome.

Thu, Sep 04, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join us for our Thursday evening group of Adult Dungeons and Dragons! In this group, we'll work our way through the Curse of Strahd module.
This event is full

Thu, Sep 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.

Fri, Sep 05, 10:00am - 12:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Drop in and make new connections while doing puzzles, games, coloring pages, and other mind stimulating activities. Light refreshments... more
Drop in and make new connections while doing puzzles, games, coloring pages, and other mind stimulating activities. Light refreshments will be served. All supplies will be provided.

Sat, Sep 06, 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, Sep 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, Sep 06, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Merrillville Branch - Lower Level
Come join the fun - free for all ages! Get geeky with video games, children's activities, an artist alley, and cosplay contests!... more
Come join the fun - free for all ages! Get geeky with video games, children's activities, an artist alley, and cosplay contests! Costumes are encouraged.

Mon, Sep 08, 10:30am - 11:00am
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Children will develop pre-reading skills as they enjoy stories, music, and a craft.
Registration opens Monday, September 1 2025 at 9:00am

Mon, Sep 08, 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, Sep 08, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Certified nutritionist will provide FREE food and nutrition lessons for individuals and groups in our community.

Mon, Sep 08, 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Celebrate the release of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale with an afternoon watching Downton Abbey (2019) and enjoying various teas. ... more
Celebrate the release of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale with an afternoon watching Downton Abbey (2019) and enjoying various teas. Please register. Rated PG. Runtime: 122mins.

Mon, Sep 08, 1:00pm - 1:45pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Join us for a storytime for kids 4-5 years old, featuring stories, music and craft, that help develop early literacy skills. Attendees... more
Join us for a storytime for kids 4-5 years old, featuring stories, music and craft, that help develop early literacy skills. Attendees must register. 

Mon, Sep 08, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
On her way home from work, a woman discovers a badly injured teen. She helps bring her to a hospital, but she vanishes before anyone can... more
On her way home from work, a woman discovers a badly injured teen. She helps bring her to a hospital, but she vanishes before anyone can discover her identity.

Mon, Sep 08, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Do you worry about falling? Join us for a free workshop series designed to manage falls and increase activity levels!
Please contact the library to register for this event.

Mon, Sep 08, 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, Sep 08, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project.

Mon, Sep 08, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime program for preschoolers and their families. Enjoy an evening storytime with books, finger plays, and music. Feel... more
This is a storytime program for preschoolers and their families. Enjoy an evening storytime with books, finger plays, and music. Feel free to wear pajamas!

Rescheduled
Mon, Sep 08, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
New date Monday, September 08, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Hobart
Get together and create terrariums with various biomes for Pokémon figures. Supplies are limited; please register.

Mon, Sep 08, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Get together and create terrariums with various biomes for Pokémon figures. Supplies are limited; please register.

Mon, Sep 08, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
What is a silent book club? A social gathering for readers. There is no assigned reading. Bring your own book or borrow one of ours. All... more
What is a silent book club? A social gathering for readers. There is no assigned reading. Bring your own book or borrow one of ours. All readers 18+ are welcome.