What a Hold Is

A hold is how you request that the Library set aside an item to "hold" it so you can come check it out from us. A hold lets you get in line for a title that has been pre-ordered or that is currently checked out to another customer.

Library staff run reports twice a day to pull available items - showing as ON SHELF - that have been requested by someone placing a hold.

For quickest turnaround for holds on available items showing as ON SHELF, choose the pickup location matching where the item is on the shelf.

BE AWARE: For an available item, until the title is showing as ON HOLD SHELF for whoever placed a hold, that item can be checked out by any customer who finds it on the shelf in the Library. Call us at 972-466-4800 to place time-sensitive holds on available materials.

Limits

• 25 - all card types except TexShare
• 5 - TexShare card

Time Held on Hold Shelf

• 7 days - all items except hotspots and tool kits
• 3 days - hotspots and tool kits

Managing Holds

Manage your holds in the Titles on Hold section of your online account.

For any of your pending holds, you can:

• Cancel a hold
• Freeze a hold, including setting a date for it to "thaw" automatically
• Change pickup location
• Get recommendations of similar titles by clicking While You Wait button

Note: You cannot change pickup location or freeze a hold that is ready for pickup.

You can see your position in line for any pending holds but must click/tap the title of the item to see the total number of holds on the title.

How to Know Hold is Ready

• "Hold available for pickup" email notice is sent to email in your account
• Hold will show under Holds Ready for Pickup heading in the Titles on Hold section of your online account

Pickup Locations

• Hebron & Josey Library = inside OR at the drive-up window
• Josey Ranch Lake Library = inside OR  at the drive-up window
• Hebron & Josey Pickup Lockers NEW
• Josey Ranch Lake Pickup Lockers NEW

Drive-up windows are open for holds pickup on the day each building is closed—Thursdays at Josey Rach Lake and Fridays at Hebron & Josey.

See Hours & Locations page for building and window hours.

Holds Pickup Lockers FAQ

Eligibility

Who can use the service?

Anyone with a valid Carrollton Public Library card can choose to pick up eligible items at one of the pickup lockers.

Which items can be picked up at the lockers?

The following can be requested for pickup in a holds locker:

• Books
• DVDs
• CD Audiobooks
• Playaway Audiobooks
• Multimedia language learning materials
• Wonderbooks

If an item is not appropriate for the locker due to format, size, or weight, then the pickup lockers will not be an option when you place the hold.

Timeframe

How long will my items stay in the lockers?

7 days

When are items available for pickup?

You may pick up your items once hold shows in the "Holds Ready for Pickup" section of your account and/or you received the "Hold available for pickup" email notification.

The lockers are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

How It Works

How do I request pickup at the lockers?

Select one of the lockers as pickup location for your hold:

• Hebron & Josey Pickup Lockers
• Josey Ranch Lake Pickup Lockers

Can I change my mind about the pickup location after my hold is ready for pickup?

No. Once an item has arrived at a pickup location, the location cannot be changed.

Do I need to bring my Library card with me?

Yes, bring the physical card or a digital version of your card. There is a digital card barcode available in the CloudLibrary app or in the Your Library Card section of your catalog online account.

if you are picking up materials for a family member, you need to bring that individual's card or have access to the digital version of it.

How do I claim my holds items in a locker?

1. Scan your Library card.
2. Your items are automatically checked out when the door opens.
3. Remove all items.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen for information regarding receipts for items checked out and due dates.

I have multiple holds; will they all fit in the locker?

Each locker will hold several items. If you have too many, another locker will be assigned to you. You will see a list of all lockers with holds for you when you scan your Library card. Tap the open button for each locker to open the locker and check out any items inside.

What if I changed my mind about some of the items?

Items are automatically checked out when the door opens.  Return any items you no longer wish to take home through the drive-through return. Those items will be automatically checked in and removed from your account.

Can I use a locker to return items?

No, the lockers do not have return capabilities.

Any items you would like to return should be inserted into the drive-through or lobby return slots. Those items will be automatically checked in and removed from your account.

Troubleshooting Problems

I scanned my card, but nothing happened. 

There may be some sort of issue with your account such as:

• A block on the account
• Overdue items
• You reached the maximum number of items checked out
• Expired Library card
• Nothing is on hold for that account or the holds are not ready for pickup yet

If you think any of these situations are in error, call the library at 972-466-4800 during business hours.

Who do I contact if I have a problem using the lockers?

Check your account online for any overdue items or fees owed.

If you need to speak with someone, you may call the library at 972-466-4800 or visit one of our locations to speak with a staff person during Library hours of operation.