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Find and Read a Book

Step-by-step workflow for discovering a book, checking availability, and starting to read.

Steps​

1. Search for the book​

// booklife_find_book_everywhere
{"query": "The Name of the Wind"}

This searches Hardcover and your library simultaneously. Look for:

  • book_id — for Hardcover operations
  • media_id — for library holds
  • isbn — for cross-referencing

2. Check library availability​

The search results include availability. Look for:

  • "Available now" — borrow immediately
  • "Wait list" — place a hold

3a. If available at library​

// libby_place_hold
{"media_id": "12345", "format": "ebook"}

Or with auto-borrow:

{"media_id": "12345", "format": "audiobook", "auto_borrow": true}

3b. If not available, add to TBR​

// tbr_add
{"title": "The Name of the Wind", "author": "Patrick Rothfuss", "isbn13": "9780756404741"}

4. Track in Hardcover​

// hardcover_add_to_library
{"isbn": "9780756404741", "status": "want-to-read"}

Or combine with a library hold:

{"isbn": "9780756404741", "status": "want-to-read", "place_hold": true}

5. Start reading​

Once you have the book, update your status:

// hardcover_update_reading_status
{"book_id": "123", "status": "reading"}

Tips​

  • Always check library first — it's free
  • Use booklife_find_book_everywhere to search all sources at once
  • place_hold with auto_borrow: true means you don't have to check back
  • Add to TBR as a reminder even if you're placing a hold