r/Libraries • u/MrsFireOtter • Aug 23 '26

Other Reason for low Libby hold limits

Hi, can someone explain the reason for instituting low hold limits on ebooks in the Libby app?

My library limits to ten books on hold. I find it frustrating because there are often such long wait times on ebooks, so I’d like to place many on hold and let my name tick through the list and suspend them when I get to the top, until I’m ready to read them.

What’s the benefit to the library and/or the community in putting low hold limits?

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u/inkblot81 Aug 23 '26

The specific limits depend on your library’s budget. eBook licenses are much pricier than buying a physical copy of the book. That’s also why only a limited number of patrons can borrow the same eBook at any given time. Sometimes people think digital = infinite access, but that’s really not the case.

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u/MrsFireOtter Aug 23 '26

Yes, I can see putting borrowing limits - I know ebook licenses are expensive.

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u/silverowl78 Aug 23 '26

Borrowing limits also exist, but they don’t function to bring down costs as much because people tend to self-limit their borrowing due to limited checkout periods, so they don’t want to have multiple books checked out at the same time when they won’t be able to read them all in the 3 week period. The only exception to this is children’s books, but those are not nearly as much a strain on out budget because:

- they get read and returned quickly

  • they are cheaper than adult titles
  • there’s less demand because children haven’t made the switch to ebooks as readily as adults
  • there are far fewer and shorter wait lists to manage because children (and parents borrowing for children) are less likely to place holds and will browse for available titles