For your convenience, items can be returned at any time in the book drops located outside of every CKPL branch.
Holds can be placed:
To place a hold online:
- Search for your item at search.ckpl.ca
- Click the "Request It" button

- Log in using your library card number and PIN
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Choose your pick up location
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Click submit
Will you let me know when my hold arrives?
Yes! CKPL sends notifications by phone, email or text to let you know your item is ready to be picked up. Not receiving your notices? Check with staff at your local branch to ensure we have your current information on file.
I'm going on vacation, can I pause my holds until I get back?
Yes! You can "freeze" your holds while you're away and remain in the same spot in the queue. When you return, you must unfreeze your holds to keep moving up the list.
Please note that freezing holds will not work if your hold is in transit, ready for pickup or if you're number one on the list.
Don't forget to unfreeze your holds or cancel them if you no longer want them. Holds that are frozen for too long (if they've been on your account for 1 year) will expire and be removed from your account.
To freeze your holds:
- Log in to your account at
search.ckpl.ca using your library card number and PIN.
- Click on your name to view your account
- Click on Holds on the left side of your screen
- Items that are eligible to be frozen will appear with a Freeze checkbox on the right side of your screen

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Click the boxes to select the items you wish to freeze and click update list

- A summary of the items to be frozen will appear. Click yes to proceed with freezing the selected items.
To unfreeze your holds:
- Click to remove the checkmark in the freeze box to the right of your item
- Click update list

- Click yes to unfreeze
Where is my hold?
Your item is ready to be picked up when its status changes to "Ready for Pickup" in your online account. CKPL will also attempt to contact you through our automated phone system or by email or text message depending on your notification preference. If you're not receiving your notices, please check with staff to make sure your contact information is correct.
If you have been number one on the list for your hold for more than 6 weeks, there could be a few reasons why you have not received your item.
Possible reasons include:
- It's still on order – the library often orders items a few months in advance of the release date. Once an item is released, we have to wait for our vendor to ship it and then it needs to be processed. Library staff work hard to ensure that items are put into circulation quickly but the process does take time.
- The item is missing or was not returned – it's possible that the item you requested has gone missing or it was borrowed by another patron and not returned. CKPL staff will make all efforts to fulfil your request as soon as possible but it may take longer than expected. You will be advised if CKPL cannot fulfil your request.
- Your hold is frozen – please check to make sure your hold wasn't frozen. If your hold is frozen you will see a checkmark next to your item in the Freeze column. You will have to unfreeze your item for it to be sent to you.
To unfreeze your holds:
- Click to remove the checkmark in the freeze box to the right of your item
- Click update list

- Click yes to unfreeze

Why is an item that I returned still on my account?
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, returned items are being held in quarantine for the recommended 72 hours before being checked in. Please expect items to remain on your account for several days before they are checked in. Don't worry! No overdue fines will be charged at this time.
If an item remains on your account 7 business days after it is returned, please contact the branch to which you returned your item.
What if I forget my PIN?
Your PIN is set to the last four digits of the telephone number you provide at registration. If you need to reset your PIN, visit
search.ckpl.ca and click log in. Under the log in page, click "Forgot your PIN?" An email will be sent to the email address CKPL has on file with a link to reset your PIN. If you did not add an email to your library account, you will need to visit a CKPL branch to have your PIN reset.
Can I request a book or movie that CKPL doesn't have in the collection?
Yes, CKPL patrons can request items to be considered for purchase using our online form. The form can be found by visiting
search.ckpl.ca and clicking "Suggestion" at the top of the page. Please note that we are not accepting Interlibrary Loan (ILLO) requests at this time.
To make a purchase suggestion, you must have an up-to-date CKPL card and you must not have fines exceeding $10. To help manage the volume of requests, please do not request current titles from bestselling or popular authors or newly released popular movies as the library will be buying these items. Please do not request books that have not been published or movies that are still in theatres. Ask CKPL staff how you can stay up-to-date on
new releases as they are ordered.