Libby Holds: What You Need to Know
- Laura Eckert
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Libby, the ebook and audiobook app, recently changed how holds are handled.
What is a Libby Hold?
• If a title (ebook or audiobook) isn’t currently available, readers are given the option to tap Place Hold to join the wait list.
• When it becomes available, Libby sends a notification. Users will have 72 hours (3 days) to borrow, suspend, or cancel the hold.
Not ready for your Hold?
That’s okay! You can suspend your hold. Suspending a hold lets you keep your place in line on a title and passes the available copy to the next person on the list when you’re not yet ready to read it.
Changes to Hold Suspensions (as of September 2025)
OverDrive has updated hold suspensions to make wait lists more efficient and hold delivery fairer for all users.
Old Behavior
• When a hold was available, users could select Deliver Later to delay getting it.
• When suspending or delivering a hold later, you selected an end date for the suspension or delivery.
• If you missed a hold the first time it was delivered, the hold would be suspended, then automatically unsuspend after 7 days.
NEW Behavior
When a hold is available, you select Suspend to delay getting it.
You no longer select an end date for a suspension. Instead, you manually unsuspend a hold when you’re ready for it.
If the first delivery is missed, the hold is auto-suspended until you manually unsuspend it. Suspended holds lapse when suspended for 365 days in a row.
Important: You will not lose your place in the wait list by suspending a hold. When you suspend or unsuspend a hold, you stay in line and continue moving up the wait list.
Managing Your Holds
1. Go to Shelf ‣ Holds in Libby to see all your holds and their positions.
2. Tap Manage Hold to suspend, unsuspend, or cancel a hold.
If a hold is suspended and you tap Unsuspend, Libby shows how many days remain until it would auto-cancel (“Lapsing in …”).
If a suspended hold has remained suspended 365 days, it will be removed automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I suspend or unsuspend a hold more than once?
A: Yes, there’s no limit on how many times you can suspend and unsuspend a single hold.
Q: Am I limited in how many holds I can suspend?
A: No, you can suspend all of your holds at the same time, if you want.
Q: Will I be notified before a suspended hold is canceled?
A: No, in Libby, tap Unsuspend to view days remaining until the hold lapses.
Why These Changes?
• Fairer access — users are encouraged to claim holds only when they’re ready.
• Better circulation — copies of titles on hold are freed up for users deeper in wait list.
• Cleaner wait times — unwanted holds will sit unclaimed for less time.
Need Help?
Visit Libby Help ‣ Holds for detailed instructions. Libby Help Center.
Watch the video that demonstrates how the Suspend Hold feature works here
