Suggestion for Purchase FAQ

Ready to make a suggestion for purchase? Fill out the online form.


Will a hold always be placed if the title I suggest is purchased?

The library is no longer placing holds on items suggested and ordered for the collection due to the high volume of requests. Please check the catalogue regularly to place your own holds. All suggestions for purchase will be dealt with within one month of receipt.


I like to read the books on the bestseller lists. Should I make a suggestion for purchase for titles I come across this way?

You can count on the library to order books by popular and bestselling authors. For example, titles that appear on bestseller lists or that are reviewed in the national media will be automatically ordered. Wait a while after becoming aware of a new title, and then check the catalogue to place your hold.


Does the library consider older titles or out-of-print titles as suggestions for purchase?

Generally, only books published within the last three years will be considered as suggestions for purchase. Books become harder to obtain the older their publication date is. The library does not consider suggestions for out-of-print titles sold by antiquarian or second-hand retailers.


I’ve noticed that some series I like to read are incomplete. Will the library approve suggestions to complete a series?

You are welcome to suggest already published titles to complete or fill gaps in a series. When deciding whether to purchase a series title staff, will consider:

  • Whether the series is named or defined by the publisher;
  • Whether there is established and ongoing demand for the series;
  • Whether the remaining titles of the series are available for purchase.


Do you accept suggestions for movies on DVD?

The library generally buys movies that have had box-office success after they have been released to DVD. Check the catalogue regularly for those titles; you do not need to make a suggestion for purchase for these films.

The library also buys movies that have had critical acclaim but limited theatrical release. Often these movies can be harder to identify and you are encouraged to bring the flims to our attention.


Most TV series are available on DVD as soon as the season is completed. Which series will the library buy?

As there are thousands of TV series available on DVD, the library cannot buy everything. The library will buy a selection of titles, and will give priority to those TV series no longer available for viewing on television.


The library has lots of TV series and movies. What about documentaries and how-to DVDs; does the library buy those?

The library buys a range of informational or documentary DVDs and you are encouraged to make suggestions for such titles.


I just bought a new DVD/Blu-Ray Disc player. Does the library buy HD or Blu-Ray movies?

At this time the library is not buying movies in either the HD or Blu-Ray format.