Deinfluence (or influence 😉) my Holds/Suspensions

Managing holds and suspensions on Libby can be a test of patience, especially when multiple copies and long waitlists are involved. For dedicated readers weighing if a hold is worth keeping, it's helpful to consider factors like your interest level in the book, the length of the wait, and the book’s popularity. For example, ‘Only for the Week’ by Natasha Bishop has six copies in circulation with eight people waiting, placing you third in line—this suggests moderate availability and a manageable wait if you’re eager for this title. In contrast, ‘Leave Me Behind’ by K.M. Moronova has five copies but with 23 waiting, meaning a longer wait, so you might reconsider if you’re not highly invested. Titles like ‘Hemlock & Silver’ by T. Kingfisher and ‘Ghost Business’ by Jen DeLuca show you as first in line and the wait times are noted as “available soon,” indicating you have good chances for quick access once the current readers return them. This can be encouraging if you’re on the fence about holding suspensions. Another practical tip: Libby sometimes adds more copies based on demand, which can shorten your wait time. Always check for updates on your hold status, as it might shift closer sooner than anticipated. Ultimately, whether a hold is worth it depends on your reading priorities. If you prefer less waiting, consider exploring new titles or genres with shorter waits or borrowing other ebooks immediately available. But if a specific book is on your must-read list and you don’t mind waiting, holding suspension could prove rewarding. In the world of digital libraries like Libby, balancing your to-read list with a mix of available and on-hold titles can maximize your reading satisfaction without frustration. Don’t hesitate to “deinfluence” your TBR (to-be-read) by reassessing your holds and making room for fresh finds that spark joy and keep you reading consistently.