Skip to content
Agathos Books Agathos Books Help Center

Joining a Waitlist

When all copies of a book are currently borrowed, you can join the waitlist to be notified when it’s available.

How Waitlists Work

Section titled “How Waitlists Work”

Instead of checking back repeatedly for a popular book, the waitlist automatically notifies you when it’s your turn:

  1. You join the waitlist for a book
  2. When a copy is returned, you’re notified
  3. You have 24 hours to request the book
  4. If you don’t request it, the next person is notified

[Screenshot: waitlist button on unavailable book]

Joining the Waitlist

Section titled “Joining the Waitlist”

When a book shows as unavailable:

  1. Tap the book to see its details
  2. Tap Join Waitlist
  3. You’ll see your position in line (e.g., “You’re #3 in line”)

[Screenshot: waitlist confirmation showing position]

Your Position in Line

Section titled “Your Position in Line”

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

  • #1 — You’re next when the book is returned
  • #2, #3, etc. — Others will be offered the book first

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

When It’s Your Turn

Section titled “When It’s Your Turn”

When a copy becomes available and you’re first in line:

  1. You receive a notification: “[Book Title] is available!”
  2. You have 24 hours to request the book
  3. Tap Request Now in the notification

Important: If you don’t request within 24 hours, your turn passes to the next person and you move to the back of the line.

[Screenshot: notification showing 24-hour window to request]

Leaving the Waitlist

Section titled “Leaving the Waitlist”

Changed your mind? You can leave anytime:

  1. Go to My Loans or the book’s detail page
  2. Find your waitlist entry
  3. Tap Leave Waitlist

Leaving the waitlist doesn’t affect your reliability score.

Estimated Wait Time

Section titled “Estimated Wait Time”

When you join a waitlist, you’ll see an estimated wait time based on:

  • Your position in line
  • The typical loan duration
  • Number of copies available

This is an estimate—actual times vary based on how quickly others return books.

Tips

Section titled “Tips”
  • Join multiple waitlists — You can be on waitlists for different books at the same time
  • Check your notifications — The 24-hour window is strict, so don’t miss it
Section titled “Related Articles”

Still Need Help?

Section titled “Still Need Help?”

If you have questions about waitlists, contact support.