THE LIBRARY HOLD CURSE
So I know I've made several comments during the history of my blog about all of my library requests coming in at the same time. In fact, I've probably said it too many times to count. And a bunch of people have commented that it happens to them a lot so I put on my thinking cap and tried to figure out why this happens to me and I have a few ideas.
I'm an online stalker - So I am always watching for new releases and like most bloggers, know months in advance when my favorite authors have books coming out. And when that happens, I fire up the internet and search my library database to see if they've ordered a copy. When I do, I immediately put a hold on it, even if it's a few weeks or sometimes months in advance. And I'm sure my library has a system for ordering and it only makes sense that my library places orders for many of the books I want at the same time. Thus, they all arrive at the same time.
I use too many libraries - I have access to two libraries which use the same system and one which recently broke up with them as well as Overdrive and Hoopla. So I'm ALL THE TIME requesting books so the law of averages says some of them will arrive at the same time.
There is someone in town with similar reading tastes - There has to be. So I bet all the books I want to read they have out at the same time and are returning them at the same time. Imagine, TWO of me. Also, I know there is at least one librarian at two of the libraries who likes horror so I think when new books come in I have requested, they read them before notifying me they're in - does that sound like too much of a conspiracy theory?
The library fairy - She simply delivers all the books I want to the library at the same time. And you know, I just googled Book Fairy and found out that Emma Watson is a book fairy so it's all Emma Watson's fault apparently.
So the next time I have too many requests come in at the same time, I'll just blame Emma Watson!
So what are YOUR Library Hold Curse theories???
Maybe because our library is small, but this isn't a problem for me. Let's see . . . a ton of books at once . . . are you sure it's a curse? Sounds like Emma Watson is just being nice to you.:-)
ReplyDeleteWell, it's a nice thing to happen but very hard on the TBR! I agree, I actually love Emma so if she wanted to give me books, I'd be happy.
DeleteI don't use the library as they make you pay a fee for each book you request as well as yearly fees for a book ticket and a seperate fee for audio and dvd ticket. Too expensive and they never get Indie books!
ReplyDeleteMan that stinks. I don't have to pay for a card, two libraries do 3 week checkouts with 2 renewals (as long as there are no holds) and the other does 30 day checkouts with one renewal. No extra fees for audios, DVDs or CDs and we can request as many purchases as we want but they don't guarantee buying them all.
DeleteYes, I never understand it - I will be at completely different points on wait lists, and then bam - they all arrive on one day! I think it's the universe saving me a trip, but sometimes it can be overwhelming!
ReplyDeleteThat's one good way of looking at it.
Deletei seem to get holds in when I am gone on vacation. Fortunately i know enough of the librarians that they can check them out for me.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome!
DeleteHa ha, I wish I could relate...but I'm that evil person who never uses the library. I've tried, but the stress of having to read certain books in a particular time frame is just too much for me. I do know you talk a lot about this weird phenomenon so I definitely think it's a conspiracy!
ReplyDeleteI went through about a 10 year period where I didn't use mine at all. Admittedly I wasn't reading as much then (what was wrong with me!!!!). Now, I'm so used to using them and I spend enough on books as it is so Mr. Barb is probably grateful for our libraries.
DeleteThis happens to me as well and I have absolutely no idea why. I mean it's insane that one thing can be on hold and I'm #10 and another I'm #2 for but miraculously I get them both at once? lol I thought this was for books only but I recently started getting DVDs from my library to save money and my holds come in all at once for those too!! I currently have 5 DVDs and 4 books checked out that I apparently need to clear my schedule to get through.
ReplyDeleteI understand totally about the number thing but when you think about it, how does that happen???
DeleteI've been remiss with getting books from the library. I always forget to check and it seems to be a habit of mine to buy most of the books I want to read. I'm going to go to the library this weekend and browse the shelves. I miss doing that. Save some money too. LOL
ReplyDeleteYes, you need to go browse. It's so much fun and a nice break.
DeleteI mostly use Overdrive now because my library is waaaay on the other side of town and the time limit on those books is so short that I have to rush to finish them in time because there is almost always someone else wanting to read them behind me and I can't renew. But I seriously could not live without Libby & Overdrive for audiobooks.
ReplyDeleteOh yea. I was browsing Overdrive the other night while watching TV and now I have three more books requested! It's EVIL.
Deleteoh men I know this mystery! I think it is because I only have time to log in once every blue moon so I request TONSA books at the same time LOL
ReplyDeleteThat's a good explanation too!
DeleteEnjoyed the post.
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
Thanks Sherry!
DeleteIt's a conspiracy!! :)
ReplyDeleteIt is!
DeleteLove your library hold curse theories and this post! Because it happens to me, too. Whenever I already have too many books checked out of the library, inevitably that's when all the books I have on hold come in. All at once. It never fails. :D
ReplyDeleteI know - there has to be something going on because so many people are effected!
DeleteI mainly hold audiobooks through Overdrive, and I do hold a lot! Plus, I have access to three library collections so perhaps everything coming in all at once is mostly to be expected lol!
ReplyDelete~Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
That definitely contributes I'm sure.
DeleteYes to all of this. All my requests always come in at the same time (although in fairness I've not used the library as much just recently - I found I was unable to get to the reads and was returning them because they were on other request lists). I do love the library though.
ReplyDeleteLynn :D
I'm lucky to have such great ones around.
DeleteI think blaming Emma Watson is totally a legit reason for your library woes :)
ReplyDeleteIt works for me.
DeleteI either have them all come in at once, or I will have a hold come in I placed months ago that I no longer want to read. Haha.
ReplyDeleteThat happens too but then again, that's also a Netgalley curse.
DeleteIt would be awesome if the libraries could match people up. Like "You two!! You love the same books! You should have a reading-date at the library!" lol
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun idea!
DeleteI can request books at totally different times, and they still arrive on my phone at exactly the same time. Then I feel obligated to read them all before they expire, because going back on hold means more weeks of waiting, and everything repeats.
ReplyDeleteLindsi @ Do You Dog-ear?
Yep, it certainly is an endless cycle.
DeleteThis happens to me all the time too and what's worse is I never have enough time to read them all, especially when new releases can't be renewed. I try to only request a couple of books at a time for this reason, but sometimes my finger slips.
ReplyDeleteYes, that's the bad thing about new releases - there is always someone else wanting them.
DeleteThat's why I like Hoopla, because it's streaming and no wait list, but they get new releases a little but later than the library does, I think. 📚
ReplyDeleteYes that is one of the best things about Hoopla - that and I can get single issue comics of my faves. Does you library have a Hoopla limit?
DeleteThis is too funny!! My biggest peeve is going to pick up my holds, getting home, and then getting an email that says one more is ready... *sigh* I swear they do it on purpose LOL!
ReplyDelete