Favorite Authors Club

Join our Favorite Authors Club to make sure you never miss a book by your favorite authors!

This club is available in two formats: regular print books or large print books. Although we cannot guarantee that you will always be first, we can guarantee that you will always be added to the hold list automatically. You can print one of the applications below, fill out our online form, or pick up a form at the Adult Information Desk.

Following a “Better Safe Than Sorry” policy, your name will be placed on all titles by an author whether you decide to read the material or not. For example: If you choose James Patterson as your favorite author, your reserves would go on the Alex Cross series, the Women’s Murder Club series, and any miscellaneous material, except non-fiction, that he may write. Let us know when you are not interested in a particular title and we will remove your hold and pass the material on to the next person.

How to Join:

1. Fill out the online form below or print off one of the PDL Favorite Authors Club forms. You may choose either the form for regular print books or the form for large print books. There are a few additional authors available on the PDF form for regular print.
2. Fill out your contact information.
3. Pick out no more than 10 authors for large print or 15 authors for regular print.
4. Submit the online form below or mail your completed form to: Portage District Library, Attn: Favorite Authors, 300 Library Lane, Portage, MI 49002. You may also drop completed forms off at the Adult Information Desk of the Portage District Library.

If you need assistance filling out the form, please give the Adult Information Desk staff a call at (269) 585-8739.

Click here for the form to join the Regular Print Favorite Authors Club at PDL

Click here for the form to join the Large Print Favorite Authors Club at PDL

These application forms are in PDF format and you will need Adobe Reader, a free software program, to read this file.

FAQ's

If your question isn't in our FAQ, please contact the Adult Information Desk at (269) 329-4544, option #1.
  • What is the Favorite Authors Club?

    Non-reciprocal borrowers may request up to 10 authors in the large print program or 15 authors in the regular print program to be on their Favorite Authors list. We will automatically place holds on qualifying titles by your favorite authors.

  • Who may participate in the Favorite Authors Club?

    The Favorite Author’s Club is limited to non-reciprocal borrowers only.

  • Why would I want to be a part of the Favorite Authors Club?

    Priority will be given to members of the Favorite Authors Club when titles of these authors are ordered. Their holds will be placed first.

  • Are all authors on this list?

    No, but we have chosen some of our most popular authors to be on these lists. Examples: Patterson, Evanovich, Butcher, and Macomber.

  • How is the order of the holds for members determined?

    We use a randomizing function to order holds for club members each time a new book by a particular author is received.

  • Are the same members always at the top of the list?

    No. We use a randomizing computer program that changes the order of members’ names each time we place holds for that particular author.

  • What items will not be placed on hold?

    We will only automatically place holds for titles by authors on our Favorite Authors lists. In addition, hardcover editions that are reprints of previously published titles, audiobook versions, non-fiction, and multi-author collections edited by Favorite Authors will not be placed on hold for you as a part of the Favorite Authors Club.

  • Can I request an author who is not on the Favorite Authors form?

    No. Only the authors listed on the form are part of the Favorite Authors Club. However, you can feel free to suggest authors for future program updates!

  • Will the form ever be updated?

    We update the form periodically.  Authors who have passed away (at least the ones who stop writing) and authors whose popularity has slipped will be dropped to make room for new and more popular authors.

  • I am already in the Favorite Authors Club, but am not sure if an author is on my list. How do I check what authors I requested?

    The database is secure and not all library staff members have access. You can call or visit the Adult Information Desk for assistance with questions about your Favorite Authors Club selections.  They can check with the program coordinator, but it may take a day or two to get a response. If you are not sure whether an author is on your list, there is no harm in adding them by resubmitting a new form. If they were already on your list, they will remain on your list.

  • How can I check to see where I am on the list for a particular Favorite Authors book?

    Simply go to your holds list in your account. The title will appear in your account holds list with the number that represents your place in the hold line. You can check your account online by visiting our library catalog.

  • How does someone add or remove authors from their list of requests?

    Fill out a new Favorite Authors form. At the top, please mark “additions” or “deletions.”

  • What happens to holds that are placed before the Favorite Authors hold?

    The priority is changed on the hold list to move them down the list below the randomized Favorite Authors Club holds.  The order of those holds is maintained.

  • Can I join both the Regular Print and the Large Print Favorite Authors Clubs?

    No. Please choose only one program.

Downloads

PDL Favorite Author’s Brochure–Regular Print (PDF)

PDL Favorite Author’s Brochure–Large Print (PDF)