Upcoming Closure:The Library will be closed Tues, Dec 24, and Wed, Dec 25. We will be closing early Tues, Dec 31 @ 1:00 PM and closed all day on Wed, Jan 1, 2025.

Placing a Hold

With a valid library card, holds may be placed at the service desks, over the phone (515-278-3945), or via the internet through the online catalog.

To place a hold online:

  • Access the library catalog and log in to your account
  • Search the catalog for the item you would like to place on hold
  • Once an item is located, click on the red “Place Hold” button on the right hand side of the item
  • On the next screen, choose the Urbandale Public Library” from the “Pickup Library” drop down menu (and click on the “Always use this pick-up location” so it will save this information for future holds)
  • Then confirm the item you are placing on hold by clicking on the “Submit Request” button

Library staff will attempt to notify you when an item you have placed on hold is available using the contact information provided on your account.  Patrons are responsible for providing correct contact information.  Please be sure to notify the Library if your contact information changes.

Hold items are available for pick up for approximately five days after you are notified.

Cancel Holds

You can cancel a hold by calling the Library at 515-278-3945 or by accessing the My Account feature of the library online catalog.

To cancel a hold online:

  • Log in to your account on the library catalog
  • Click on the “My Account” drop down and select “Hold Requests”
  • Check the item(s) you would like to cancel
  • Click on the blue “Cancel Selected” button at the bottom of the screen
  • Confirm the cancellation by clicking the “Yes” button on the next screen

Suspend Holds

Unavailable holds may be suspended if a customer cannot pick them up for a period of time due to vacation or illness. You will remain in queue for the hold, and not be put back to the end of the wait list.

You can suspend an unavailable hold by calling the Library at 515-278-3945 or by accessing the My Account feature of the library online catalog.

To suspend a hold online:

  • Log in to your account on the library catalog
  • Click on the “My Account” drop down and select “Hold Requests”
  • Check the item(s) you would like to suspend
  • Click on the blue “Suspend/Reactivate Selected” button
  • On the next screen, enter the date you would like suspend your holds until and click on the “Submit” button