Joining a Waitlist

When every copy of a book at a library is checked out, you can join the waitlist. The next time a copy becomes available, it’s reserved for the person at the top of the line for 24 hours — no need to check back.

How Waitlists Work

1. You join the waitlist for a book at a specific library
2. When a copy becomes available, the person at #1 is notified and the copy is reserved for them
3. They have 24 hours to borrow it
4. If they don’t (or they pass), the reservation moves to the next person

Waitlists are per library — if the book is shelved at more than one of your libraries you can join each library’s waitlist independently.

Joining the Waitlist

When all copies at a library are loaned out:

1. Open the book’s page
2. Tap Join Waitlist (the same button reads “Request to Borrow” when a copy is available)
3. If the book is at more than one library, pick which library’s waitlist to join
4. Your position appears on the book page (e.g., “You’re #3 in line”)

Your Position in Line

Your position tells you how many people are ahead of you:

• #1 — you’re next when a copy becomes available
• #2, #3, … — the people ahead will be offered the book first

The position updates automatically as people ahead of you borrow the book, pass, or leave the waitlist.

You’ll also see an estimated wait time based on your position, the library’s typical loan length, and how many copies exist. It’s an estimate — actual times depend on when current borrowers return.

When It’s Your Turn

When a copy becomes available and you’re at the top of the line:

1. You’ll get a notification titled “Your Turn: [Book Title]”
2. The book page shows a countdown to when your reservation expires
3. Tap Borrow Now to claim it, or Pass to release it to the next person

The 24-hour window is firm. If you don’t borrow or pass within 24 hours, the reservation expires automatically and moves to the next person. Either way, you can rejoin the waitlist afterward — but you’ll start at the back of the line.

Leaving the Waitlist

You can leave any time:

1. Open the book’s page (or the waitlist card on your home feed)
2. Tap Leave Waitlist

Leaving doesn’t affect your reliability score, and you can rejoin later (at the back of the line).

Tips

• Join multiple waitlists — you can be on waitlists for as many books as you like at the same time
• Keep notifications on — the 24-hour reservation window doesn’t pause if you miss the alert

Related Articles

• Borrowing a book
• How lending works

Still Need Help?

If you have questions about waitlists, contact support.