Place a request for a book
REQUEST A BOOK
Use our Request service to reserve a book that is unavailable or checked out at your local Queens Library. The book will be delivered to your local library, ready for you to pick up, in just a few days (depending on availability).
To request a book:
- Search Queens Library's online catalog for the book by going to "Find library books, music, movies and more..." on the home page and type in the title or author. Click "go.'
- Find the item for which you are searching from the list.
- Scroll down to see if the book is available.
- If so, find and click the "Request" button.
- You will be prompted to enter your library card number (found on your library card) and pick up location (any one of 63 Queens libraries). Hit "Submit."
- You will receive this message: "Your loan has been successfully processed." Click "ok."
- If you change your mind and do not want to request the book, instead of clicking "ok," click "cancel." You will receive this message: "Your request was successfully deleted from the system."
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT REQUEST A BOOK
Can I request any book?
Many of our hardcover books, including bestsellers, can be requested. But NOT all books can be requested, such as paperback or reference books. Look for the "Request" button in the online catalog to find books that can be requested. Books that cannot be requested do NOT have a "Request" button.
Once I request a book, how long will it take before I can pick up the book?
If the book is shown as “Available” in our online catalog, it will be delivered to your library of choice shortly. If the book is already checked out, your request will be put on a waiting list. As soon as the book becomes available, it will be sent to your library for pickup.
Items that are listed as "Hot Pick" and "Available" in the catalog will be ready for pick up within 2 to 3 business days. Hot Picks are generally best sellers or other highly requested books, fiction and nonfiction.
I request many books and lose track of the request dates. Is there a way to track request dates?
The first time you request an item, you are notified of the placed date and expiration date of the request. We recommend you print out this sheet for your records. Otherwise, log into My Account and you'll see when the Request Expires. The Placed Date is not shown; you need to calculate 90 days prior since this is how long requests are kept in the system.
How do I add or update my email address?
Go to the Customer Service or Circulation desk at any Queens Library location to have your e-mail address added or updated. If you did not provide Queens Library with an email address, you will be notified by U.S. mail when the request is available. To ensure prompt delivery of your library notices, please verify your current address at the Circulation/Customer Service desk.
I’ve requested a book but want to cancel the request. What do I do?
To cancel a request, go to My Account on this website and log in by entering your library card number and 4-digit Password/PIN. Scroll to "Requested Items," find the book, and select "Cancel." Note: books that are enroute to you/your library cannot be cancelled. In that case, if you do not want the book, please inform a staff member at the Customer Service or Circulation desk.
If you do not remember your 4-digit Password/PIN, please go to the Customer Service or Circulation desk at any Queens Library.
Updated: November 17, 2008