High numbers on wait list for 'Lost Symbol'

High numbers on wait list for 'Lost Symbol'

FARMINGTON -- Davis County Library is taking hold requests for Dan Brown's newest novel, set for a Sept. 15 release.

"The Lost Symbol" will have its first printing of 5 million copies, which is the largest first print for Random House Publishing, according to its Web site.

About 150 people have put their names on the library's waiting list for the book featuring protagonist Robert Langdon of "The Da Vinci Code," said Chris Sanford, the Davis County Library director.

Davis County has ordered 50 print and seven audio copies, Sanford said. It will not put any of the books on display until 10 a.m. Sept. 15, according to an agreement with the publisher that has been approved by the Davis County Commission.

"We'll need to order some more books," Sanford said.

She said the library generally prefers to have a ratio of three holds per copy, but sometimes with best sellers the ratio is five per copy.

"We'll monitor those ongoing interests," Sanford said.

Sanford said the library will open at its regular time -- 10 a.m. -- Sept. 15. Patrons whose names are at the top of the list will be notified before that date they can pick up their copy when the doors open.
Library patrons who put a hold on the book will receive it as soon as their name comes to the top of the list. The procedure is the same one the library uses for all of its materials, she said.

Patrons who want to put their name on the list can do so either online at www.co.davis.ut.us/library/default.cfm

or by calling or visiting their local branch.

Weber County Library will not be taking any holds for "The Lost Symbol" until about a month before the book is released, said Ann Booth, manager of adult services at the main library.

Weber has ordered 30 print and eight audio copies, Booth said.

Some library patrons put holds on new titles in order to "hedge their bets, just in case they can't buy it at the bookstore," said Lynnda Wangsgard, Weber County Library director.

Weber also handles the holding of new titles the same as all of its materials in its catalogue, she said.

Brigham City Library has not ordered "The Lost Symbol" because it is the end of its budget year, said Elizabeth Schow, adult fiction librarian.

Patrons there can put the book on hold once it is entered into the computer's library system.

Officials said the last time libraries saw an interest in a particular title before it was released was when "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," by J.K. Rowling, was released July 21, 2007.

Source: www.standard.net/