Library Holds Tracker in Notion: Manage Libby Waitlists Without Forgetting What You Requested

If you want an easy way to track your reading in Notion (TBR → Reading → Finished + notes + wrap-ups), NotionReads gives you the whole workflow pre-built.

Why a library holds tracker helps

Library holds are amazing… until you have:

• 7 requests across Libby + your local catalog
• random “Available now!” notifications at the worst time
• short pickup windows you miss
• no idea what format you requested (ebook vs audiobook)

A tiny Notion tracker fixes this by giving you one place to see what’s coming, what expired, and what you should start next.

The simple database (fields to add)

Create a database called Library Holds and add these properties:

• Title (Title)
• Author (Text)
• Format (Select: eBook, Audiobook, Physical, Kindle, Other)
• Platform (Select: Libby, OverDrive, Hoopla, Local library, Other)
• Status (Select: Requested, Waiting, Available, Checked out, Expired, Cancelled)
• Estimated wait (Number or Text)
• Pickup/borrow deadline (Date)
• Hold placed (Date)
• Priority (Select: ASAP, Soon, Whenever)
• Notes (Text)

Optional (nice-to-have): Series, Series #, Narrator (for audiobooks), Library card (if you use multiple).

Views that make it feel effortless

Add 3–5 views so you can use it in seconds:

1. Available now (Status = Available)
2. Waiting (Status = Waiting)
3. This week (Deadline is within 7 days)
4. Expired / cancelled (Status in Expired, Cancelled)
5. By format (Board grouped by Format)

A 2-minute routine that actually sticks

When you place a hold:

1. Add it to the database (title + author + format)
2. Set Status = Waiting
3. Add an estimated wait if Libby shows one

When it becomes available:

1. Update Status = Available
2. Set the pickup/borrow deadline
3. Decide: start now, or snooze it (and set Priority = Soon/Whenever)

Connect it to your bigger reading system

Your holds tracker is strongest when it feeds into a normal reading pipeline.

• If you want a full “one database to rule them all” approach, start with NotionReads and treat library holds as one intake source.
• Pair it with a wishlist so you don’t lose recommendations: Book wishlist tracker
• If you love randomness, this is a great companion: Notion TBR jar
• If you use Libby audiobooks heavily, add a narrator field and see: Audiobook tracker in Notion

CTA

If you want the whole reading workflow (TBR, holds, notes, ratings, wrap-ups) already set up, you can grab it here: https://www.notionreads.com