Is there any way to know how many copies exist of a book that has been requested? I think the one book I've requested has been through at least 5 or 6 people by now and still no one has accepted my request. The book is in the system--I just dont' know how many copies are available.  The only requestor condition I have is that it come from a non-smoking home and I did clarify it to specify that I meant only if there are active smokers in the house where the book currently resides.

I really really want to read this book and it seems I might not get it. I'd at least like to know how many copies of the book are available.  If everyone turns down the request (although I don't know why the request keeps being turned down), does it revert back to the first person it was requested from?

You can add it to your reminder list and it will tell you how many copies are in the system. And if it was turned down b/c of a requestor condition it won't revert back to them.

Letting a book time out helps weed out the inactive accounts. But it's tiring when it goes past a couple people.  You could post in book bazaar what you are looking for and most likely you'll find someone active with the book.  I had a book about to time out on it's 2nd person. I posted in book bazaar.  I found someone who had it and I ordered it right from her shelf and she mailed it that same day.  I cancelled the 1st request before I ordered it direct from the one who responded to my post. I would put in your post that you have a no-smoking condition. 

What book are you looking for?