If you would like to get on the wait list for a new item that is not yet available, check out an item that our library doesn’t own, or would just like for us to locate materials for you to be ready for pickup in a few days you can place a hold. Placing holds is easy. Search the library’s catalog for the item you’d like. When you find it, click the request button. Please note that requests for materials to be held are not addressed immediately—if you place an item on hold today it may take a few days for it to be available on our hold shelf for pickup.

You may also place holds in person or by calling Adult Services at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2150 or Youth Services at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.

Whether we have the item on the shelf or we have to get it from another library for you, you’ll get a call or email from PrairieCat, our library consortium, when it’s ready for you to pick up.

After seven days, if the item has not been picked up, staff will return the item to its lending library. We cannot hold items longer than seven days per our agreement with PrairieCat.

If a library has designated one of their items as “New,” you may not be able to request it.

In order to place a hold you must have a current valid DeKalb Public Library card with less than $5.00 dollars in fines and less than five overdue items.

A maximum of fifteen hold requests may be placed at any one time.