How Do I?


Reserve a Book

Placing Reserves or Holds

Reserves (also called holds) are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The Library cannot guarantee that a specific book will be available by a certain date. Once your reserved item is in the Library, you will be notified via telephone or email. The Library is not responsible if our message does not reach the person placing the request.


Holds are kept at the designated pickup location for three days. On the fourth day, your hold will be cancelled and the next person in line will be notified.


Reserves can be placed in the Library, by phone, or online.


In Person or by Phone

  • At the Library: Ask any staff member at the front desk to place the hold for you.
  • By phone: Call us at (270) 769-6337.
  • At a Library computer: Follow the instructions below for placing a hold online.


Online

  1. Go to www.hcpl.info.
  2. Click the Search Catalog tab.
  3. Click Log On in the Account box (top right).
  4. Enter your library card barcode and 4-digit password (default is the last 4 digits of your barcode). If it doesn’t work, call (270) 769-6337.
  5. Click the Home tab and search for the book you want to reserve.
  6. Click the title.
  7. Click the Holdings tab, then click Reserve.
  8. Select HCPL – Main Branch as the pickup location (unless you are an Outreach patron or need delivery at the Radcliff Community Center).
  9. Click OK to confirm. A message will appear indicating that the title has been successfully reserved.
  10. You will receive a text or email notification when your item is ready for pickup.

Note: Placing a title in your Bookbag is not the same as reserving it; the Bookbag is a wishlist for future interest.


If the Book Isn’t in Our Catalog

  • Submit a Suggestion for Purchase for new titles.
  • Use Interlibrary Loan for older or unavailable titles.


Why Your Reserve Might Not Work

  • You already have the item on reserve (check on-screen messages).
  • Your library card is blocked due to fees over $10.00.
  • Your library card has expired (library cards expire after one year; renew with proof of current address at the Library or Bookmobile).