Minneapolis Public Library: How to Place Holds

You will get a screen that asks for your name, your barcode (the number on your library card), your PIN, and where you would like to pick up the item. Fill out this form and click the "Request Item" button in this form -- you have now placed a hold on this item.

If several people are waiting for an item, you will be placed in line to receive it. We'll let you know when the person ahead of you in line has returned the item.

How can I get a library card?
How can I find books, DVDs, and other items in the catalog?
How can I get a PIN number if I don't have one yet, or if I've forgotten it?

Retrieving an item may take up to eight days. Items at Central Library, East Lake, Walker and Washburn libraries generally take longer to retrieve due to the size of those collections and the number of requests they receive. Additional time can be required for weekends or if the item is missing and has to be requested from another location.

Once you have placed a hold on an item, you will be notified when the item is available and where you can pick it up. You will get an email if you have given us your email address. Otherwise, if we have your telephone number and have permission to call you, you will get an automated phone message. If we cannot contact you by either email or telephone, you will be notified by regular mail.

Each Minneapolis library in the Hennepin County System has a hold shelf. When your item is ready, we'll put it on the hold shelf for you. Each item has a streamer with a "hold code" (the first three initials of your last name and your first & middle initial). You can pick up your item and you can check it out right away.

I placed an item on hold. The item was listed as "NOT CHCKD OUT" at my local library but was not on the hold shelf when I arrived. How come?

Often borrowers come in to pick up materials before staff has had a chance to retrieve the item or place it on the holdshelf. This is especially common if you request an item in the morning and come in on your lunch hour to pick it up. At most locations, you might be able to find the item yourself when you come in or you can ask staff to help you find it. Waiting for the notification or checking your patron record for the status to change from "Not Checked Out" to "Ready. Pick up by (date)" can help avoid frustration.

How many items can I borrow at the same time?
How can I renew an item so I can keep it longer?

I can't place holds online. Why not?

We have received some reports that persons who use "pop-up blocker" software, Internet Explorer Content Advisor or other add-on software products or features that alter the functionality of a web browser can't access some features of the catalog. Please be aware that installing such add-on programs may affect your ability to use a variety of websites , not just our catalog. You may want to reconsider the use of such software if you have problems using the catalog.

I can't place holds on CDs in Teen Central. Why not?

These CDs are for the people in Teen Central. They can be picked up in person and checked out. The CD collection at Teen Central is part of a project of the Teen Central Teen Advisory Group, who select all the CDs with teens in mind. The collection is a browsing collection to promote use of the materials and space by teens and to build awareness city-wide of Teen Central as a place "by teens for teens."

If you have any problem placing a hold, you can always call Access Services at (612)630-6040 during regular library hours.

What if I live outside of Minneapolis?
How can I pay a fine on an overdue item?
How can I borrow an item from a another library through Interlibrary Loan?

Need Help?

Feel free to ask us for help finding items or placing holds, in person, over the phone, live online or by email.

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