Hold Requests / ILLs

Hold Requests

What is a Hold Request?

When all the copies of an item are checked out to other patrons or if they are only available at an inconvenient location, you can place a hold request, which puts you on a waiting list for the item.

When the item becomes available, the Library contacts you via e-mail* or phone and sends it to your designated branch pick-up location.

How do I place a hold request on an item?

1. Go to our website: www.PortsmouthPublicLibrary.org and click on “Catalog” under Quick Links on the left. Once you find the item you wish to place on hold, click “Place Hold” then type in your Barcode number and your four digit PIN number. The computer will ask which location you would like the item sent to and verify your phone number. Click Submit when you are finished and the computer will tell you if your hold is successful or not.

2. Another way you can request items is to contact your local Portsmouth Library branch either by phone or in person and a library staff member will place the item on hold for you. *

For help with setting up or changing your holds pick-up location, please contact your branch library.

* Please note: By using e-mail notification you get messages faster, save the Library operating costs and save paper. If you are not sure if the library has your email address, call your local branch and we can tell you.

ILLs

If you would like to request an item but the Portsmouth Public Library system does not own it, you can do what is called an Inter Library Loan or ILL.

We would request the item from another library and you could check it out like a regular library book.

Please read our Policy (PDF).

In order to check out a book through the Inter Library Loan system, you must have a Portsmouth Public Library card and you must have $0 fees and fines on your account.

Then come in to the branch of your choice and fill out a form with the book information and your information and someone from the library will contact you about obtaining the item.

The cost is $2 for processing.

Please contact your closest Portsmouth Public Library branch if you have any questions about Inter Library Loans.