diff --git a/shelfmark/core/activity_routes.py b/shelfmark/core/activity_routes.py
index c0d3d96..5a1262a 100644
--- a/shelfmark/core/activity_routes.py
+++ b/shelfmark/core/activity_routes.py
@@ -7,22 +7,22 @@ from typing import Any, Callable, NamedTuple
 
 from flask import Flask, jsonify, request, session
 
-from shelfmark.core.download_history_service import DownloadHistoryService
+from shelfmark.core.download_history_service import ACTIVE_DOWNLOAD_STATUS, DownloadHistoryService, VALID_TERMINAL_STATUSES
 from shelfmark.core.logger import setup_logger
+from shelfmark.core.models import ACTIVE_QUEUE_STATUSES, QueueStatus, TERMINAL_QUEUE_STATUSES
+from shelfmark.core.request_validation import RequestStatus
 from shelfmark.core.request_helpers import (
     emit_ws_event,
     extract_release_source_id,
+    normalize_optional_text,
     normalize_positive_int,
     now_utc_iso,
+    populate_request_usernames,
 )
 from shelfmark.core.user_db import UserDB
 
 logger = setup_logger(__name__)
 
-# Offset added to request row IDs so they don't collide with download_history
-# row IDs when both types are merged into a single sorted list.
-_REQUEST_ID_OFFSET = 1_000_000_000
-
 
 def _parse_timestamp(value: Any) -> float:
     if not isinstance(value, str) or not value.strip():
@@ -152,16 +152,20 @@ def _activity_ws_room(*, is_no_auth: bool, actor_db_user_id: int | None) -> str:
     return "admins"
 
 
+def _check_item_ownership(actor: _ActorContext, row: dict[str, Any]) -> Any | None:
+    """Return a 403 response if the actor doesn't own the item, else None."""
+    if actor.is_admin:
+        return None
+    owner_user_id = normalize_positive_int(row.get("user_id"))
+    if owner_user_id != actor.db_user_id:
+        return jsonify({"error": "Forbidden"}), 403
+    return None
+
+
 def _list_visible_requests(user_db: UserDB, *, is_admin: bool, db_user_id: int | None) -> list[dict[str, Any]]:
     if is_admin:
         request_rows = user_db.list_requests()
-        user_cache: dict[int, str] = {}
-        for row in request_rows:
-            requester_id = row["user_id"]
-            if requester_id not in user_cache:
-                requester = user_db.get_user(user_id=requester_id)
-                user_cache[requester_id] = requester.get("username", "") if requester else ""
-            row["username"] = user_cache[requester_id]
+        populate_request_usernames(request_rows, user_db)
         return request_rows
 
     if db_user_id is None:
@@ -169,51 +173,79 @@ def _list_visible_requests(user_db: UserDB, *, is_admin: bool, db_user_id: int |
     return user_db.list_requests(user_id=db_user_id)
 
 
-def _parse_download_item_key(item_key: Any) -> str | None:
-    if not isinstance(item_key, str) or not item_key.startswith("download:"):
+def _parse_item_key(item_key: Any, prefix: str) -> str | None:
+    """Extract the value after 'prefix:' from an item_key string."""
+    if not isinstance(item_key, str) or not item_key.startswith(f"{prefix}:"):
         return None
-    task_id = item_key.split(":", 1)[1].strip()
-    return task_id or None
+    value = item_key.split(":", 1)[1].strip()
+    return value or None
 
 
-def _parse_request_item_key(item_key: Any) -> int | None:
-    if not isinstance(item_key, str) or not item_key.startswith("request:"):
-        return None
-    raw_id = item_key.split(":", 1)[1].strip()
-    return normalize_positive_int(raw_id)
+_ALL_BUCKET_KEYS = (*ACTIVE_QUEUE_STATUSES, *TERMINAL_QUEUE_STATUSES)
 
 
-def _merge_terminal_snapshot_backfill(
+def _build_download_status_from_db(
     *,
-    status: dict[str, dict[str, Any]],
-    terminal_rows: list[dict[str, Any]],
-) -> None:
-    existing_task_ids: set[str] = set()
-    for bucket_key in ("queued", "resolving", "locating", "downloading", "complete", "error", "cancelled"):
-        bucket = status.get(bucket_key)
+    db_rows: list[dict[str, Any]],
+    queue_status: dict[str, dict[str, Any]],
+) -> dict[str, dict[str, Any]]:
+    """Build the download status dict from DB rows, overlaying live queue data.
+
+    Active DB rows are matched against the queue for live progress.
+    Terminal DB rows go directly into their final bucket.
+    Stale active rows (no queue entry) are treated as interrupted errors.
+    """
+    status: dict[str, dict[str, Any]] = {key: {} for key in _ALL_BUCKET_KEYS}
+
+    # Index queue items by task_id for fast lookup: task_id -> (bucket_key, payload)
+    queue_index: dict[str, tuple[str, dict[str, Any]]] = {}
+    for bucket_key in _ALL_BUCKET_KEYS:
+        bucket = queue_status.get(bucket_key)
         if not isinstance(bucket, dict):
             continue
-        existing_task_ids.update(str(task_id) for task_id in bucket.keys())
+        for task_id, payload in bucket.items():
+            queue_index[str(task_id)] = (bucket_key, payload)
 
-    for row in terminal_rows:
+    for row in db_rows:
         task_id = str(row.get("task_id") or "").strip()
-        if not task_id or task_id in existing_task_ids:
+        if not task_id:
             continue
 
         final_status = row.get("final_status")
-        if final_status not in {"complete", "error", "cancelled"}:
-            continue
 
-        download_payload = DownloadHistoryService.to_download_payload(row)
-        if final_status not in status or not isinstance(status.get(final_status), dict):
-            status[final_status] = {}
-        status[final_status][task_id] = download_payload
-        existing_task_ids.add(task_id)
+        if final_status == ACTIVE_DOWNLOAD_STATUS:
+            queue_entry = queue_index.pop(task_id, None)
+            if queue_entry is not None:
+                bucket_key, queue_payload = queue_entry
+                status[bucket_key][task_id] = queue_payload
+            else:
+                # Stale active row — no queue entry means it was interrupted
+                download_payload = DownloadHistoryService.to_download_payload(row)
+                download_payload["status_message"] = "Interrupted"
+                status[QueueStatus.ERROR][task_id] = download_payload
+        elif final_status in VALID_TERMINAL_STATUSES:
+            download_payload = DownloadHistoryService.to_download_payload(row)
+            # For complete/cancelled the saved status_message is a stale
+            # progress string (e.g. "Fetching download sources") — clear it
+            # so the frontend only shows its own status label.  Error rows
+            # keep theirs since the message describes the failure.
+            if final_status in ("complete", "cancelled"):
+                download_payload["status_message"] = None
+            status[final_status][task_id] = download_payload
+
+    # Include any queue items that don't have a DB row yet (race condition safety).
+    # Only include active items — terminal items without a DB row are orphans
+    # (e.g. admin cleared history) and should not be shown.
+    for task_id, (bucket_key, queue_payload) in queue_index.items():
+        if bucket_key in ACTIVE_QUEUE_STATUSES and task_id not in status.get(bucket_key, {}):
+            status[bucket_key][task_id] = queue_payload
+
+    return status
 
 
 def _collect_active_download_task_ids(status: dict[str, dict[str, Any]]) -> set[str]:
     active_task_ids: set[str] = set()
-    for bucket_key in ("queued", "resolving", "locating", "downloading"):
+    for bucket_key in ACTIVE_QUEUE_STATUSES:
         bucket = status.get(bucket_key)
         if not isinstance(bucket, dict):
             continue
@@ -226,19 +258,19 @@ def _collect_active_download_task_ids(status: dict[str, dict[str, Any]]) -> set[
 
 def _request_terminal_status(row: dict[str, Any]) -> str | None:
     request_status = row.get("status")
-    if request_status == "pending":
+    if request_status == RequestStatus.PENDING:
         return None
-    if request_status == "rejected":
-        return "rejected"
-    if request_status == "cancelled":
-        return "cancelled"
-    if request_status != "fulfilled":
+    if request_status == RequestStatus.REJECTED:
+        return RequestStatus.REJECTED
+    if request_status == RequestStatus.CANCELLED:
+        return RequestStatus.CANCELLED
+    if request_status != RequestStatus.FULFILLED:
         return None
 
     delivery_state = str(row.get("delivery_state") or "").strip().lower()
-    if delivery_state in {"error", "cancelled"}:
+    if delivery_state in {QueueStatus.ERROR, QueueStatus.CANCELLED}:
         return delivery_state
-    return "complete"
+    return QueueStatus.COMPLETE
 
 
 def _minimal_request_snapshot(request_row: dict[str, Any], request_id: int) -> dict[str, Any]:
@@ -273,11 +305,12 @@ def _request_history_entry(request_row: dict[str, Any]) -> dict[str, Any] | None
     if request_id is None:
         return None
     final_status = _request_terminal_status(request_row)
+    item_key = f"request:{request_id}"
     return {
-        "id": _REQUEST_ID_OFFSET + request_id,
+        "id": item_key,
         "user_id": request_row.get("user_id"),
         "item_type": "request",
-        "item_key": f"request:{request_id}",
+        "item_key": item_key,
         "dismissed_at": request_row.get("dismissed_at"),
         "snapshot": _minimal_request_snapshot(request_row, request_id),
         "origin": "request",
@@ -338,7 +371,22 @@ def register_activity_routes(
 
         owner_user_scope = None if is_admin else db_user_id
 
-        status = queue_status(user_id=owner_user_scope)
+        live_queue = queue_status(user_id=owner_user_scope)
+
+        try:
+            db_rows = download_history_service.get_undismissed(
+                user_id=owner_user_scope,
+                limit=200,
+            )
+        except Exception as exc:
+            logger.warning("Failed to load undismissed download rows: %s", exc)
+            db_rows = []
+
+        status = _build_download_status_from_db(
+            db_rows=db_rows,
+            queue_status=live_queue,
+        )
+
         updated_requests = sync_request_delivery_states(
             user_db,
             queue_status=status,
@@ -347,15 +395,6 @@ def register_activity_routes(
         emit_request_updates(updated_requests)
         request_rows = _list_visible_requests(user_db, is_admin=is_admin, db_user_id=db_user_id)
 
-        try:
-            terminal_rows = download_history_service.get_undismissed_terminal(
-                user_id=owner_user_scope,
-                limit=200,
-            )
-            _merge_terminal_snapshot_backfill(status=status, terminal_rows=terminal_rows)
-        except Exception as exc:
-            logger.warning("Failed to merge terminal download history rows: %s", exc)
-
         dismissed: list[dict[str, str]] = []
         dismissed_task_ids: list[str] = []
         try:
@@ -431,29 +470,27 @@ def register_activity_routes(
         dismissal_item: dict[str, str] | None = None
 
         if item_type == "download":
-            task_id = _parse_download_item_key(item_key)
+            task_id = _parse_item_key(item_key, "download")
             if task_id is None:
                 return jsonify({"error": "item_key must be in the format download:<task_id>"}), 400
 
             existing = download_history_service.get_by_task_id(task_id)
             if existing is None:
-                return jsonify({"error": "Activity item not found"}), 404
+                # Row already gone (e.g. admin cleared history) — treat as success
+                dismissal_item = {"item_type": "download", "item_key": f"download:{task_id}"}
+            else:
+                ownership_gate = _check_item_ownership(actor, existing)
+                if ownership_gate is not None:
+                    return ownership_gate
 
-            owner_user_id = normalize_positive_int(existing.get("user_id"))
-            if not actor.is_admin and owner_user_id != actor.db_user_id:
-                return jsonify({"error": "Forbidden"}), 403
-
-            dismissed_count = download_history_service.dismiss(
-                task_id=task_id,
-                user_id=actor.owner_scope,
-            )
-            if dismissed_count < 1:
-                return jsonify({"error": "Activity item not found"}), 404
-
-            dismissal_item = {"item_type": "download", "item_key": f"download:{task_id}"}
+                download_history_service.dismiss(
+                    task_id=task_id,
+                    user_id=actor.owner_scope,
+                )
+                dismissal_item = {"item_type": "download", "item_key": f"download:{task_id}"}
 
         elif item_type == "request":
-            request_id = _parse_request_item_key(item_key)
+            request_id = normalize_positive_int(_parse_item_key(item_key, "request"))
             if request_id is None:
                 return jsonify({"error": "item_key must be in the format request:<id>"}), 400
 
@@ -461,9 +498,9 @@ def register_activity_routes(
             if request_row is None:
                 return jsonify({"error": "Request not found"}), 404
 
-            owner_user_id = normalize_positive_int(request_row.get("user_id"))
-            if not actor.is_admin and owner_user_id != actor.db_user_id:
-                return jsonify({"error": "Forbidden"}), 403
+            ownership_gate = _check_item_ownership(actor, request_row)
+            if ownership_gate is not None:
+                return ownership_gate
 
             user_db.update_request(request_id, dismissed_at=now_utc_iso())
             dismissal_item = {"item_type": "request", "item_key": f"request:{request_id}"}
@@ -515,28 +552,28 @@ def register_activity_routes(
             item_key = item.get("item_key")
 
             if item_type == "download":
-                task_id = _parse_download_item_key(item_key)
+                task_id = _parse_item_key(item_key, "download")
                 if task_id is None:
                     return jsonify({"error": "download item_key must be in the format download:<task_id>"}), 400
                 existing = download_history_service.get_by_task_id(task_id)
                 if existing is None:
                     continue
-                owner_user_id = normalize_positive_int(existing.get("user_id"))
-                if not actor.is_admin and owner_user_id != actor.db_user_id:
-                    return jsonify({"error": "Forbidden"}), 403
+                ownership_gate = _check_item_ownership(actor, existing)
+                if ownership_gate is not None:
+                    return ownership_gate
                 download_task_ids.append(task_id)
                 continue
 
             if item_type == "request":
-                request_id = _parse_request_item_key(item_key)
+                request_id = normalize_positive_int(_parse_item_key(item_key, "request"))
                 if request_id is None:
                     return jsonify({"error": "request item_key must be in the format request:<id>"}), 400
                 request_row = user_db.get_request(request_id)
                 if request_row is None:
                     continue
-                owner_user_id = normalize_positive_int(request_row.get("user_id"))
-                if not actor.is_admin and owner_user_id != actor.db_user_id:
-                    return jsonify({"error": "Forbidden"}), 403
+                ownership_gate = _check_item_ownership(actor, request_row)
+                if ownership_gate is not None:
+                    return ownership_gate
                 request_ids.append(request_id)
                 continue
 
@@ -591,14 +628,14 @@ def register_activity_routes(
         if offset < 0:
             return jsonify({"error": "offset must be a non-negative integer"}), 400
 
-        # We combine download + request history and apply pagination over the merged list.
-        max_rows = min(limit + offset + 500, 5000)
+        # Fetch enough from each source to fill the requested page after merging.
+        merge_limit = offset + limit
         download_history_rows = download_history_service.get_history(
             user_id=actor.owner_scope,
-            limit=max_rows,
+            limit=merge_limit,
             offset=0,
         )
-        dismissed_request_rows = user_db.list_dismissed_requests(user_id=actor.owner_scope, limit=max_rows)
+        dismissed_request_rows = user_db.list_dismissed_requests(user_id=actor.owner_scope, limit=merge_limit)
         request_history_rows = [
             entry
             for entry in (_request_history_entry(row) for row in dismissed_request_rows)
@@ -609,7 +646,7 @@ def register_activity_routes(
         combined.sort(
             key=lambda row: (
                 _parse_timestamp(row.get("dismissed_at")),
-                int(row.get("id") or 0),
+                str(row.get("id") or ""),
             ),
             reverse=True,
         )
diff --git a/shelfmark/core/download_history_service.py b/shelfmark/core/download_history_service.py
index 2b06112..93020fa 100644
--- a/shelfmark/core/download_history_service.py
+++ b/shelfmark/core/download_history_service.py
@@ -5,13 +5,19 @@ from __future__ import annotations
 import os
 import sqlite3
 import threading
+from datetime import datetime
 from typing import Any
 
+from shelfmark.core.logger import setup_logger
+from shelfmark.core.models import TERMINAL_QUEUE_STATUSES
 from shelfmark.core.request_helpers import normalize_optional_positive_int, normalize_optional_text, now_utc_iso
 
+logger = setup_logger(__name__)
 
-VALID_FINAL_STATUSES = frozenset({"complete", "error", "cancelled"})
-VALID_ORIGINS = frozenset({"direct", "request", "requested"})
+
+VALID_TERMINAL_STATUSES = frozenset(s.value for s in TERMINAL_QUEUE_STATUSES)
+ACTIVE_DOWNLOAD_STATUS = "active"
+VALID_ORIGINS = frozenset({"direct", "requested"})
 
 
 def _normalize_task_id(task_id: Any) -> str:
@@ -27,7 +33,7 @@ def _normalize_origin(origin: Any) -> str:
         return "direct"
     lowered = normalized.lower()
     if lowered not in VALID_ORIGINS:
-        raise ValueError("origin must be one of: direct, request, requested")
+        raise ValueError("origin must be one of: direct, requested")
     return lowered
 
 
@@ -36,7 +42,7 @@ def _normalize_final_status(final_status: Any) -> str:
     if normalized is None:
         raise ValueError("final_status must be a non-empty string")
     lowered = normalized.lower()
-    if lowered not in VALID_FINAL_STATUSES:
+    if lowered not in VALID_TERMINAL_STATUSES:
         raise ValueError("final_status must be one of: complete, error, cancelled")
     return lowered
 
@@ -109,23 +115,39 @@ class DownloadHistoryService:
             "source_display_name": row.get("source_display_name"),
             "status_message": row.get("status_message"),
             "download_path": DownloadHistoryService._resolve_existing_download_path(row.get("download_path")),
+            "added_time": DownloadHistoryService._iso_to_epoch(row.get("queued_at")),
             "user_id": row.get("user_id"),
             "username": row.get("username"),
             "request_id": row.get("request_id"),
         }
 
+    @staticmethod
+    def _iso_to_epoch(value: Any) -> float | None:
+        if not isinstance(value, str) or not value.strip():
+            return None
+        normalized = value.strip().replace("Z", "+00:00")
+        try:
+            return datetime.fromisoformat(normalized).timestamp()
+        except ValueError:
+            return None
+
     @classmethod
     def _to_history_row(cls, row: dict[str, Any]) -> dict[str, Any]:
         task_id = str(row.get("task_id") or "").strip()
+        item_key = cls._to_item_key(task_id)
+        download_payload = cls.to_download_payload(row)
+        # Clear stale progress messages for non-error terminal states.
+        if row.get("final_status") in ("complete", "cancelled"):
+            download_payload["status_message"] = None
         return {
-            "id": row.get("id"),
+            "id": item_key,
             "user_id": row.get("user_id"),
             "item_type": "download",
-            "item_key": cls._to_item_key(task_id),
+            "item_key": item_key,
             "dismissed_at": row.get("dismissed_at"),
             "snapshot": {
                 "kind": "download",
-                "download": cls.to_download_payload(row),
+                "download": download_payload,
             },
             "origin": row.get("origin"),
             "final_status": row.get("final_status"),
@@ -134,7 +156,7 @@ class DownloadHistoryService:
             "source_id": task_id or None,
         }
 
-    def record_terminal(
+    def record_download(
         self,
         *,
         task_id: str,
@@ -150,11 +172,13 @@ class DownloadHistoryService:
         preview: str | None,
         content_type: str | None,
         origin: str,
-        final_status: str,
-        status_message: str | None,
-        download_path: str | None,
-        terminal_at: str | None = None,
     ) -> None:
+        """Record a download at queue time with final_status='active'.
+
+        On first queue: inserts a new row.
+        On retry (row already exists): resets the row back to 'active'
+        so the normal finalize path works when the retry completes.
+        """
         normalized_task_id = _normalize_task_id(task_id)
         normalized_user_id = normalize_optional_positive_int(user_id, "user_id")
         normalized_request_id = normalize_optional_positive_int(request_id, "request_id")
@@ -165,12 +189,6 @@ class DownloadHistoryService:
         if normalized_title is None:
             raise ValueError("title must be a non-empty string")
         normalized_origin = _normalize_origin(origin)
-        normalized_final_status = _normalize_final_status(final_status)
-        effective_terminal_at = (
-            terminal_at
-            if isinstance(terminal_at, str) and terminal_at.strip()
-            else now_utc_iso()
-        )
 
         with self._lock:
             conn = self._connect()
@@ -178,44 +196,20 @@ class DownloadHistoryService:
                 conn.execute(
                     """
                 INSERT INTO download_history (
-                    task_id,
-                    user_id,
-                    username,
-                    request_id,
-                    source,
-                    source_display_name,
-                    title,
-                    author,
-                    format,
-                    size,
-                    preview,
-                    content_type,
-                    origin,
-                    final_status,
-                    status_message,
-                    download_path,
-                    terminal_at
+                    task_id, user_id, username, request_id,
+                    source, source_display_name,
+                    title, author, format, size, preview, content_type,
+                    origin, final_status,
+                    status_message, download_path,
+                    queued_at, terminal_at
                 )
-                VALUES (?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?)
+                VALUES (?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, 'active', NULL, NULL, CURRENT_TIMESTAMP, CURRENT_TIMESTAMP)
                 ON CONFLICT(task_id) DO UPDATE SET
-                    user_id = excluded.user_id,
-                    username = excluded.username,
-                    request_id = excluded.request_id,
-                    source = excluded.source,
-                    source_display_name = excluded.source_display_name,
-                    title = excluded.title,
-                    author = excluded.author,
-                    format = excluded.format,
-                    size = excluded.size,
-                    preview = excluded.preview,
-                    content_type = excluded.content_type,
-                    origin = excluded.origin,
-                    final_status = excluded.final_status,
-                    status_message = excluded.status_message,
-                    download_path = excluded.download_path,
-                    terminal_at = excluded.terminal_at,
-                    dismissed_at = NULL
-                    """,
+                    final_status = 'active',
+                    status_message = NULL,
+                    download_path = NULL,
+                    terminal_at = CURRENT_TIMESTAMP
+                """,
                     (
                         normalized_task_id,
                         normalized_user_id,
@@ -230,16 +224,57 @@ class DownloadHistoryService:
                         normalize_optional_text(preview),
                         normalize_optional_text(content_type),
                         normalized_origin,
-                        normalized_final_status,
-                        normalize_optional_text(status_message),
-                        normalize_optional_text(download_path),
-                        effective_terminal_at,
                     ),
                 )
                 conn.commit()
             finally:
                 conn.close()
 
+    def finalize_download(
+        self,
+        *,
+        task_id: str,
+        final_status: str,
+        status_message: str | None = None,
+        download_path: str | None = None,
+    ) -> None:
+        """Update an existing download row to its terminal state."""
+        normalized_task_id = _normalize_task_id(task_id)
+        normalized_final_status = _normalize_final_status(final_status)
+        normalized_status_message = normalize_optional_text(status_message)
+        normalized_download_path = normalize_optional_text(download_path)
+        effective_terminal_at = now_utc_iso()
+
+        with self._lock:
+            conn = self._connect()
+            try:
+                cursor = conn.execute(
+                    """
+                    UPDATE download_history
+                    SET final_status = ?,
+                        status_message = ?,
+                        download_path = ?,
+                        terminal_at = ?
+                    WHERE task_id = ? AND final_status = 'active'
+                    """,
+                    (
+                        normalized_final_status,
+                        normalized_status_message,
+                        normalized_download_path,
+                        effective_terminal_at,
+                        normalized_task_id,
+                    ),
+                )
+                rowcount = int(cursor.rowcount) if cursor.rowcount is not None else 0
+                if rowcount < 1:
+                    logger.warning(
+                        "finalize_download: no active row found for task_id=%s (may have been missed at queue time)",
+                        normalized_task_id,
+                    )
+                conn.commit()
+            finally:
+                conn.close()
+
     def get_by_task_id(self, task_id: str) -> dict[str, Any] | None:
         normalized_task_id = _normalize_task_id(task_id)
         conn = self._connect()
@@ -252,7 +287,7 @@ class DownloadHistoryService:
         finally:
             conn.close()
 
-    def get_undismissed_terminal(
+    def get_undismissed(
         self,
         *,
         user_id: int | None,
diff --git a/shelfmark/core/models.py b/shelfmark/core/models.py
index b3ae3be..1fcd01b 100644
--- a/shelfmark/core/models.py
+++ b/shelfmark/core/models.py
@@ -38,12 +38,19 @@ class QueueStatus(str, Enum):
     LOCATING = "locating"
     DOWNLOADING = "downloading"
     COMPLETE = "complete"
-    AVAILABLE = "available"
     ERROR = "error"
-    DONE = "done"
     CANCELLED = "cancelled"
 
 
+TERMINAL_QUEUE_STATUSES: frozenset[QueueStatus] = frozenset({
+    QueueStatus.COMPLETE, QueueStatus.ERROR, QueueStatus.CANCELLED,
+})
+
+ACTIVE_QUEUE_STATUSES: frozenset[QueueStatus] = frozenset({
+    QueueStatus.QUEUED, QueueStatus.RESOLVING, QueueStatus.LOCATING, QueueStatus.DOWNLOADING,
+})
+
+
 class SearchMode(str, Enum):
     DIRECT = "direct"
     UNIVERSAL = "universal"
diff --git a/shelfmark/core/queue.py b/shelfmark/core/queue.py
index 1306b90..c2725f0 100644
--- a/shelfmark/core/queue.py
+++ b/shelfmark/core/queue.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ from threading import Lock, Event
 from typing import Dict, List, Optional, Tuple, Any, Callable
 
 from shelfmark.core.config import config as app_config
-from shelfmark.core.models import QueueStatus, QueueItem, DownloadTask
+from shelfmark.core.models import QueueStatus, QueueItem, DownloadTask, TERMINAL_QUEUE_STATUSES
 
 
 class BookQueue:
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ class BookQueue:
         self._terminal_status_hook: Optional[
             Callable[[str, QueueStatus, DownloadTask], None]
         ] = None
+        self._queue_hook: Optional[Callable[[str, DownloadTask], None]] = None
 
     @property
     def _status_timeout(self) -> timedelta:
@@ -33,11 +34,12 @@ class BookQueue:
 
     def add(self, task: DownloadTask) -> bool:
         """Add a download task to the queue. Returns False if already exists."""
+        hook: Optional[Callable[[str, DownloadTask], None]] = None
         with self._lock:
             task_id = task.task_id
 
-            # Don't add if already exists and not in error/done state
-            if task_id in self._status and self._status[task_id] not in [QueueStatus.ERROR, QueueStatus.DONE, QueueStatus.CANCELLED]:
+            # Don't add if already exists and not in error/cancelled state
+            if task_id in self._status and self._status[task_id] not in [QueueStatus.ERROR, QueueStatus.CANCELLED]:
                 return False
 
             # Ensure added_time is set
@@ -48,7 +50,14 @@ class BookQueue:
             self._queue.put(queue_item)
             self._task_data[task_id] = task
             self._update_status(task_id, QueueStatus.QUEUED)
-            return True
+            hook = self._queue_hook
+
+        if hook is not None:
+            try:
+                hook(task_id, task)
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+        return True
 
     def get_next(self) -> Optional[Tuple[str, Event]]:
         """Get next task ID from queue with cancellation flag."""
@@ -95,6 +104,14 @@ class BookQueue:
         with self._lock:
             self._terminal_status_hook = hook
 
+    def set_queue_hook(
+        self,
+        hook: Optional[Callable[[str, DownloadTask], None]],
+    ) -> None:
+        """Register a callback invoked when a task is added to the queue."""
+        with self._lock:
+            self._queue_hook = hook
+
     def update_status(self, book_id: str, status: QueueStatus) -> None:
         """Update status of a book in the queue."""
         hook: Optional[Callable[[str, QueueStatus, DownloadTask], None]] = None
@@ -103,15 +120,8 @@ class BookQueue:
             previous_status = self._status.get(book_id)
             self._update_status(book_id, status)
 
-            terminal_statuses = {
-                QueueStatus.COMPLETE,
-                QueueStatus.AVAILABLE,
-                QueueStatus.ERROR,
-                QueueStatus.DONE,
-                QueueStatus.CANCELLED,
-            }
             if (
-                status in terminal_statuses
+                status in TERMINAL_QUEUE_STATUSES
                 and previous_status != status
                 and self._terminal_status_hook is not None
             ):
@@ -121,7 +131,7 @@ class BookQueue:
                     hook_task = current_task
 
             # Clean up active download tracking when finished
-            if status in [QueueStatus.COMPLETE, QueueStatus.AVAILABLE, QueueStatus.ERROR, QueueStatus.DONE, QueueStatus.CANCELLED]:
+            if status in TERMINAL_QUEUE_STATUSES:
                 self._active_downloads.pop(book_id, None)
                 self._cancel_flags.pop(book_id, None)
 
@@ -196,29 +206,20 @@ class BookQueue:
             return sorted(queue_items, key=lambda x: (x['priority'], x['added_time']))
 
     def cancel_download(self, task_id: str) -> bool:
-        """Cancel a download or clear a completed/errored item."""
+        """Cancel an active or queued download."""
         with self._lock:
             current_status = self._status.get(task_id)
 
-            # Allow cancellation during any active state
             if current_status in [QueueStatus.RESOLVING, QueueStatus.LOCATING, QueueStatus.DOWNLOADING]:
                 # Signal active download to stop
                 if task_id in self._cancel_flags:
                     self._cancel_flags[task_id].set()
-            if current_status in [QueueStatus.COMPLETE, QueueStatus.DONE, QueueStatus.AVAILABLE, QueueStatus.ERROR, QueueStatus.CANCELLED]:
-                # Clear completed/errored/cancelled items from tracking
-                self._status.pop(task_id, None)
-                self._status_timestamps.pop(task_id, None)
-                self._task_data.pop(task_id, None)
-                self._cancel_flags.pop(task_id, None)
-                self._active_downloads.pop(task_id, None)
-                return True
+            elif current_status not in [QueueStatus.QUEUED]:
+                # Not in a cancellable state
+                return False
 
-        if current_status in [QueueStatus.RESOLVING, QueueStatus.LOCATING, QueueStatus.DOWNLOADING, QueueStatus.QUEUED]:
-            self.update_status(task_id, QueueStatus.CANCELLED)
-            return True
-
-        return False
+        self.update_status(task_id, QueueStatus.CANCELLED)
+        return True
 
     def set_priority(self, task_id: str, new_priority: int) -> bool:
         """Change the priority of a queued task (lower = higher priority)."""
@@ -257,6 +258,8 @@ class BookQueue:
 
         This is used for retries where task metadata should be preserved.
         """
+        hook: Optional[Callable[[str, DownloadTask], None]] = None
+        hook_task: Optional[DownloadTask] = None
         with self._lock:
             task = self._task_data.get(task_id)
             if task is None:
@@ -285,7 +288,15 @@ class BookQueue:
             queue_item = QueueItem(task_id, task.priority, time.time())
             self._queue.put(queue_item)
             self._update_status(task_id, QueueStatus.QUEUED)
-            return True
+            hook = self._queue_hook
+            hook_task = task
+
+        if hook is not None and hook_task is not None:
+            try:
+                hook(task_id, hook_task)
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+        return True
 
     def reorder_queue(self, task_priorities: Dict[str, int]) -> bool:
         """Bulk reorder queue by mapping task_id to new priority."""
@@ -327,7 +338,7 @@ class BookQueue:
 
     def refresh(self) -> None:
         """Remove any tasks that are done downloading or have stale status."""
-        terminal_statuses = {QueueStatus.COMPLETE, QueueStatus.DONE, QueueStatus.ERROR, QueueStatus.AVAILABLE, QueueStatus.CANCELLED}
+        terminal_statuses = TERMINAL_QUEUE_STATUSES
         with self._lock:
             current_time = datetime.now()
             to_remove = []
@@ -341,10 +352,6 @@ class BookQueue:
                 if task.download_path and not Path(task.download_path).exists():
                     task.download_path = None
 
-                # Mark available downloads as done if file is gone
-                if status == QueueStatus.AVAILABLE and not task.download_path:
-                    self._update_status(task_id, QueueStatus.DONE)
-
                 # Check for stale status entries
                 last_update = self._status_timestamps.get(task_id)
                 if last_update and (current_time - last_update) > self._status_timeout:
diff --git a/shelfmark/core/request_helpers.py b/shelfmark/core/request_helpers.py
index 1894414..9cb54db 100644
--- a/shelfmark/core/request_helpers.py
+++ b/shelfmark/core/request_helpers.py
@@ -104,6 +104,17 @@ def normalize_optional_positive_int(value: Any, field_name: str = "value") -> in
     return parsed
 
 
+def populate_request_usernames(rows: list[dict[str, Any]], user_db: Any) -> None:
+    """Add 'username' to each request row by looking up user_id."""
+    cache: dict[int, str] = {}
+    for row in rows:
+        requester_id = row["user_id"]
+        if requester_id not in cache:
+            requester = user_db.get_user(user_id=requester_id)
+            cache[requester_id] = requester.get("username", "") if requester else ""
+        row["username"] = cache[requester_id]
+
+
 def extract_release_source_id(release_data: Any) -> str | None:
     """Extract and normalize release_data.source_id."""
     if not isinstance(release_data, dict):
diff --git a/shelfmark/core/request_routes.py b/shelfmark/core/request_routes.py
index a54434e..4a97dc8 100644
--- a/shelfmark/core/request_routes.py
+++ b/shelfmark/core/request_routes.py
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ from shelfmark.core.request_policy import (
     parse_policy_mode,
     resolve_policy_mode,
 )
+from shelfmark.core.request_validation import RequestStatus
 from shelfmark.core.requests_service import (
     RequestServiceError,
     cancel_request,
@@ -36,6 +37,8 @@ from shelfmark.core.request_helpers import (
     emit_ws_event,
     load_users_request_policy_settings,
     normalize_optional_text,
+    normalize_positive_int,
+    populate_request_usernames,
 )
 from shelfmark.core.user_db import UserDB
 
@@ -88,6 +91,18 @@ def _require_db_user_id() -> tuple[int | None, Any | None]:
         )
 
 
+def _require_admin_user_id() -> tuple[int | None, Any | None]:
+    if not session.get("is_admin", False):
+        return None, (jsonify({"error": "Admin access required"}), 403)
+    raw_admin_id = session.get("db_user_id")
+    if raw_admin_id is None:
+        return None, (jsonify({"error": "Admin user identity unavailable"}), 403)
+    try:
+        return int(raw_admin_id), None
+    except (TypeError, ValueError):
+        return None, (jsonify({"error": "Admin user identity unavailable"}), 403)
+
+
 def _resolve_effective_policy(
     user_db: UserDB,
     *,
@@ -177,23 +192,16 @@ def _format_user_label(username: str | None, user_id: int | None = None) -> str:
     return "unknown user"
 
 
-def _resolve_request_username(
-    user_db: UserDB,
-    *,
-    request_row: dict[str, Any],
-    fallback_username: str | None = None,
-) -> str | None:
-    normalized_fallback = normalize_optional_text(fallback_username)
-    raw_user_id = request_row.get("user_id")
-    try:
-        request_user_id = int(raw_user_id)
-    except (TypeError, ValueError):
-        return normalized_fallback
-
-    requester = user_db.get_user(user_id=request_user_id)
-    if not isinstance(requester, dict):
-        return normalized_fallback
-    return normalize_optional_text(requester.get("username")) or normalized_fallback
+def _format_requester_label(user_db: UserDB, request_row: dict[str, Any]) -> str:
+    """Resolve a display label for the user who created a request."""
+    user_id = normalize_positive_int(request_row.get("user_id"))
+    if user_id is not None:
+        requester = user_db.get_user(user_id=user_id)
+        if isinstance(requester, dict):
+            username = normalize_optional_text(requester.get("username"))
+            if username is not None:
+                return username
+    return _format_user_label(None, user_id)
 
 
 def _resolve_request_source_and_format(request_row: dict[str, Any]) -> tuple[str, str | None]:
@@ -209,13 +217,6 @@ def _resolve_request_source_and_format(request_row: dict[str, Any]) -> tuple[str
     return normalize_source(request_row.get("source_hint")), None
 
 
-def _resolve_request_user_id(request_row: dict[str, Any]) -> int | None:
-    raw_user_id = request_row.get("user_id")
-    try:
-        user_id = int(raw_user_id)
-    except (TypeError, ValueError):
-        return None
-    return user_id if user_id > 0 else None
 
 
 def _notify_admin_for_request_event(
@@ -223,7 +224,6 @@ def _notify_admin_for_request_event(
     *,
     event: NotificationEvent,
     request_row: dict[str, Any],
-    fallback_username: str | None = None,
 ) -> None:
     book_data = request_row.get("book_data")
     if not isinstance(book_data, dict):
@@ -234,11 +234,7 @@ def _notify_admin_for_request_event(
         event=event,
         title=str(book_data.get("title") or "Unknown title"),
         author=str(book_data.get("author") or "Unknown author"),
-        username=_resolve_request_username(
-            user_db,
-            request_row=request_row,
-            fallback_username=fallback_username,
-        ),
+        username=_format_requester_label(user_db, request_row),
         content_type=normalize_content_type(
             request_row.get("content_type") or book_data.get("content_type")
         ),
@@ -248,7 +244,7 @@ def _notify_admin_for_request_event(
         error_message=None,
     )
 
-    owner_user_id = _resolve_request_user_id(request_row)
+    owner_user_id = normalize_positive_int(request_row.get("user_id"))
     try:
         notify_admin(event, context)
     except Exception as exc:
@@ -513,7 +509,6 @@ def register_request_routes(
             user_db,
             event=NotificationEvent.REQUEST_CREATED,
             request_row=created,
-            fallback_username=actor_username,
         )
 
         return jsonify(created), 201
@@ -606,13 +601,7 @@ def register_request_routes(
         except ValueError as exc:
             return jsonify({"error": str(exc)}), 400
 
-        user_cache: dict[int, str] = {}
-        for row in rows:
-            requester_id = row["user_id"]
-            if requester_id not in user_cache:
-                requester = user_db.get_user(user_id=requester_id)
-                user_cache[requester_id] = requester.get("username", "") if requester else ""
-            row["username"] = user_cache[requester_id]
+        populate_request_usernames(rows, user_db)
 
         return jsonify(rows)
 
@@ -626,11 +615,11 @@ def register_request_routes(
 
         by_status = {
             status: len(user_db.list_requests(status=status))
-            for status in ("pending", "fulfilled", "rejected", "cancelled")
+            for status in RequestStatus
         }
         return jsonify(
             {
-                "pending": by_status["pending"],
+                "pending": by_status[RequestStatus.PENDING],
                 "total": sum(by_status.values()),
                 "by_status": by_status,
             }
@@ -641,16 +630,10 @@ def register_request_routes(
         auth_gate = _require_request_endpoints_available(resolve_auth_mode)
         if auth_gate is not None:
             return auth_gate
-        if not session.get("is_admin", False):
-            return jsonify({"error": "Admin access required"}), 403
 
-        raw_admin_id = session.get("db_user_id")
-        if raw_admin_id is None:
-            return jsonify({"error": "Admin user identity unavailable"}), 403
-        try:
-            admin_user_id = int(raw_admin_id)
-        except (TypeError, ValueError):
-            return jsonify({"error": "Admin user identity unavailable"}), 403
+        admin_user_id, admin_gate = _require_admin_user_id()
+        if admin_gate is not None:
+            return admin_gate
 
         data = request.get_json(silent=True) or {}
         if not isinstance(data, dict):
@@ -675,10 +658,7 @@ def register_request_routes(
             "title": _resolve_request_title(updated),
         }
         admin_label = _format_user_label(normalize_optional_text(session.get("user_id")), admin_user_id)
-        requester_label = _format_user_label(
-            _resolve_request_username(user_db, request_row=updated),
-            _resolve_request_user_id(updated),
-        )
+        requester_label = _format_requester_label(user_db, updated)
         logger.info(
             "Request fulfilled #%s for '%s' by %s (requested by %s)",
             updated["id"],
@@ -712,16 +692,10 @@ def register_request_routes(
         auth_gate = _require_request_endpoints_available(resolve_auth_mode)
         if auth_gate is not None:
             return auth_gate
-        if not session.get("is_admin", False):
-            return jsonify({"error": "Admin access required"}), 403
 
-        raw_admin_id = session.get("db_user_id")
-        if raw_admin_id is None:
-            return jsonify({"error": "Admin user identity unavailable"}), 403
-        try:
-            admin_user_id = int(raw_admin_id)
-        except (TypeError, ValueError):
-            return jsonify({"error": "Admin user identity unavailable"}), 403
+        admin_user_id, admin_gate = _require_admin_user_id()
+        if admin_gate is not None:
+            return admin_gate
 
         data = request.get_json(silent=True) or {}
         if not isinstance(data, dict):
@@ -743,10 +717,7 @@ def register_request_routes(
             "title": _resolve_request_title(updated),
         }
         admin_label = _format_user_label(normalize_optional_text(session.get("user_id")), admin_user_id)
-        requester_label = _format_user_label(
-            _resolve_request_username(user_db, request_row=updated),
-            _resolve_request_user_id(updated),
-        )
+        requester_label = _format_requester_label(user_db, updated)
         logger.info(
             "Request rejected #%s for '%s' by %s (requested by %s)",
             updated["id"],
diff --git a/shelfmark/core/request_validation.py b/shelfmark/core/request_validation.py
index 713183e..af707e0 100644
--- a/shelfmark/core/request_validation.py
+++ b/shelfmark/core/request_validation.py
@@ -2,27 +2,29 @@
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from enum import Enum
 from typing import Any
 
+from shelfmark.core.models import QueueStatus
 from shelfmark.core.request_policy import parse_policy_mode
 
 
-VALID_REQUEST_STATUSES = frozenset({"pending", "fulfilled", "rejected", "cancelled"})
-TERMINAL_REQUEST_STATUSES = frozenset({"fulfilled", "rejected", "cancelled"})
+class RequestStatus(str, Enum):
+    """Enum for request lifecycle statuses."""
+    PENDING = "pending"
+    FULFILLED = "fulfilled"
+    REJECTED = "rejected"
+    CANCELLED = "cancelled"
+
+
+DELIVERY_STATE_NONE = "none"
+
+VALID_REQUEST_STATUSES = frozenset(RequestStatus)
+TERMINAL_REQUEST_STATUSES = frozenset({
+    RequestStatus.FULFILLED, RequestStatus.REJECTED, RequestStatus.CANCELLED,
+})
 VALID_REQUEST_LEVELS = frozenset({"book", "release"})
-VALID_DELIVERY_STATES = frozenset(
-    {
-        "none",
-        "unknown",
-        "queued",
-        "resolving",
-        "locating",
-        "downloading",
-        "complete",
-        "error",
-        "cancelled",
-    }
-)
+VALID_DELIVERY_STATES = frozenset({DELIVERY_STATE_NONE} | set(QueueStatus))
 
 
 def normalize_request_status(status: Any) -> str:
@@ -63,14 +65,6 @@ def normalize_delivery_state(state: Any) -> str:
     return normalized
 
 
-def safe_delivery_state(state: Any, default: str = "none") -> str:
-    """Normalize delivery-state with a fallback for invalid/missing values."""
-    if not isinstance(state, str):
-        return default
-    normalized = state.strip().lower()
-    return normalized if normalized in VALID_DELIVERY_STATES else default
-
-
 def validate_request_level_payload(request_level: Any, release_data: Any) -> str:
     """Validate request_level and release_data shape coupling."""
     normalized_level = normalize_request_level(request_level)
diff --git a/shelfmark/core/requests_service.py b/shelfmark/core/requests_service.py
index 5b71418..e183056 100644
--- a/shelfmark/core/requests_service.py
+++ b/shelfmark/core/requests_service.py
@@ -7,11 +7,13 @@ import json
 from typing import Any, Callable, TYPE_CHECKING
 
 from shelfmark.core.request_policy import normalize_content_type
+from shelfmark.core.models import QueueStatus
 from shelfmark.core.request_validation import (
+    DELIVERY_STATE_NONE,
+    RequestStatus,
     normalize_policy_mode,
     normalize_request_level,
     normalize_request_status,
-    safe_delivery_state,
     validate_request_level_payload,
     validate_status_transition,
 )
@@ -102,7 +104,7 @@ def _find_duplicate_pending_request(
     author: str,
     content_type: str,
 ) -> dict[str, Any] | None:
-    pending_rows = user_db.list_requests(user_id=user_id, status="pending")
+    pending_rows = user_db.list_requests(user_id=user_id, status=RequestStatus.PENDING)
     for row in pending_rows:
         row_book_data = row.get("book_data") or {}
         if not isinstance(row_book_data, dict):
@@ -122,8 +124,12 @@ def _now_timestamp() -> str:
     return datetime.now(timezone.utc).isoformat(timespec="seconds")
 
 
-def _existing_delivery_state(request_row: dict[str, Any]) -> str:
-    return safe_delivery_state(request_row.get("delivery_state"))
+def _normalize_admin_note(admin_note: Any) -> str | None:
+    if admin_note is None:
+        return None
+    if not isinstance(admin_note, str):
+        raise RequestServiceError("admin_note must be a string", status_code=400)
+    return admin_note.strip() or None
 
 
 def sync_delivery_states_from_queue_status(
@@ -134,7 +140,7 @@ def sync_delivery_states_from_queue_status(
 ) -> list[dict[str, Any]]:
     """Persist delivery-state transitions for fulfilled requests based on queue status."""
     source_delivery_states: dict[str, str] = {}
-    for status_key in ("queued", "resolving", "locating", "downloading", "complete", "error", "cancelled"):
+    for status_key in QueueStatus:
         status_bucket = queue_status.get(status_key)
         if not isinstance(status_bucket, dict):
             continue
@@ -144,7 +150,7 @@ def sync_delivery_states_from_queue_status(
     if not source_delivery_states:
         return []
 
-    fulfilled_rows = user_db.list_requests(user_id=user_id, status="fulfilled")
+    fulfilled_rows = user_db.list_requests(user_id=user_id, status=RequestStatus.FULFILLED)
     updated: list[dict[str, Any]] = []
 
     for row in fulfilled_rows:
@@ -156,7 +162,7 @@ def sync_delivery_states_from_queue_status(
         if delivery_state is None:
             continue
 
-        if _existing_delivery_state(row) == delivery_state:
+        if row.get("delivery_state", DELIVERY_STATE_NONE) == delivery_state:
             continue
 
         updated.append(
@@ -257,6 +263,15 @@ def ensure_request_access(
     return request_row
 
 
+def _require_pending(request_row: dict[str, Any]) -> None:
+    if request_row["status"] != RequestStatus.PENDING:
+        raise RequestServiceError(
+            "Request is already in a terminal state",
+            status_code=409,
+            code="stale_transition",
+        )
+
+
 def cancel_request(
     user_db: "UserDB",
     *,
@@ -270,18 +285,13 @@ def cancel_request(
         actor_user_id=actor_user_id,
         is_admin=False,
     )
-    if request_row["status"] != "pending":
-        raise RequestServiceError(
-            "Request is already in a terminal state",
-            status_code=409,
-            code="stale_transition",
-        )
+    _require_pending(request_row)
 
     try:
         return user_db.update_request(
             request_id,
-            expected_current_status="pending",
-            status="cancelled",
+            expected_current_status=RequestStatus.PENDING,
+            status=RequestStatus.CANCELLED,
         )
     except ValueError as exc:
         raise RequestServiceError(str(exc), status_code=409, code="stale_transition") from exc
@@ -301,24 +311,15 @@ def reject_request(
         actor_user_id=admin_user_id,
         is_admin=True,
     )
-    if request_row["status"] != "pending":
-        raise RequestServiceError(
-            "Request is already in a terminal state",
-            status_code=409,
-            code="stale_transition",
-        )
+    _require_pending(request_row)
 
-    normalized_admin_note = None
-    if admin_note is not None:
-        if not isinstance(admin_note, str):
-            raise RequestServiceError("admin_note must be a string", status_code=400)
-        normalized_admin_note = admin_note.strip() or None
+    normalized_admin_note = _normalize_admin_note(admin_note)
 
     try:
         return user_db.update_request(
             request_id,
-            expected_current_status="pending",
-            status="rejected",
+            expected_current_status=RequestStatus.PENDING,
+            status=RequestStatus.REJECTED,
             admin_note=normalized_admin_note,
             reviewed_by=admin_user_id,
             reviewed_at=_now_timestamp(),
@@ -344,18 +345,9 @@ def fulfil_request(
         actor_user_id=admin_user_id,
         is_admin=True,
     )
-    if request_row["status"] != "pending":
-        raise RequestServiceError(
-            "Request is already in a terminal state",
-            status_code=409,
-            code="stale_transition",
-        )
+    _require_pending(request_row)
 
-    normalized_admin_note = None
-    if admin_note is not None:
-        if not isinstance(admin_note, str):
-            raise RequestServiceError("admin_note must be a string", status_code=400)
-        normalized_admin_note = admin_note.strip() or None
+    normalized_admin_note = _normalize_admin_note(admin_note)
 
     if not isinstance(manual_approval, bool):
         raise RequestServiceError("manual_approval must be a boolean", status_code=400)
@@ -368,10 +360,10 @@ def fulfil_request(
         try:
             return user_db.update_request(
                 request_id,
-                expected_current_status="pending",
-                status="fulfilled",
+                expected_current_status=RequestStatus.PENDING,
+                status=RequestStatus.FULFILLED,
                 release_data=None,
-                delivery_state="complete",
+                delivery_state=QueueStatus.COMPLETE,
                 delivery_updated_at=_now_timestamp(),
                 last_failure_reason=None,
                 admin_note=normalized_admin_note,
@@ -381,14 +373,9 @@ def fulfil_request(
         except ValueError as exc:
             raise RequestServiceError(str(exc), status_code=409, code="stale_transition") from exc
 
-    if request_row["request_level"] == "book" and selected_release_data is None:
+    if selected_release_data is None:
         raise RequestServiceError(
-            "release_data is required to fulfil book-level requests",
-            status_code=400,
-        )
-    if request_row["request_level"] == "release" and selected_release_data is None:
-        raise RequestServiceError(
-            "release_data is required to fulfil release-level requests",
+            "release_data is required to fulfil requests",
             status_code=400,
         )
 
@@ -417,10 +404,10 @@ def fulfil_request(
     try:
         return user_db.update_request(
             request_id,
-            expected_current_status="pending",
-            status="fulfilled",
+            expected_current_status=RequestStatus.PENDING,
+            status=RequestStatus.FULFILLED,
             release_data=selected_release_data,
-            delivery_state="queued",
+            delivery_state=QueueStatus.QUEUED,
             delivery_updated_at=_now_timestamp(),
             last_failure_reason=None,
             admin_note=normalized_admin_note,
diff --git a/shelfmark/core/user_db.py b/shelfmark/core/user_db.py
index 2a21d2c..3edf6c5 100644
--- a/shelfmark/core/user_db.py
+++ b/shelfmark/core/user_db.py
@@ -9,12 +9,14 @@ from typing import Any, Dict, List, Optional
 from shelfmark.core.auth_modes import AUTH_SOURCE_BUILTIN, AUTH_SOURCE_SET
 from shelfmark.core.logger import setup_logger
 from shelfmark.core.request_helpers import normalize_optional_positive_int
+from shelfmark.core.models import QueueStatus
 from shelfmark.core.request_validation import (
+    DELIVERY_STATE_NONE,
+    RequestStatus,
     normalize_delivery_state,
     normalize_policy_mode,
     normalize_request_level,
     normalize_request_status,
-    safe_delivery_state,
     validate_request_level_payload,
     validate_status_transition,
 )
@@ -83,6 +85,7 @@ CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS download_history (
     final_status TEXT NOT NULL,
     status_message TEXT,
     download_path TEXT,
+    queued_at TIMESTAMP DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP,
     terminal_at TIMESTAMP NOT NULL DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP,
     dismissed_at TIMESTAMP
 );
@@ -92,6 +95,10 @@ ON download_history (user_id, final_status, terminal_at DESC);
 
 CREATE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_download_history_dismissed
 ON download_history (dismissed_at) WHERE dismissed_at IS NOT NULL;
+
+CREATE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_download_history_undismissed
+ON download_history (user_id, terminal_at DESC, id DESC)
+WHERE dismissed_at IS NULL;
 """
 
 
@@ -162,6 +169,7 @@ class UserDB:
                 self._migrate_auth_source_column(conn)
                 self._migrate_request_delivery_columns(conn)
                 self._migrate_download_requests_dismissed_at(conn)
+                self._migrate_download_history_queued_at(conn)
                 conn.commit()
                 # WAL mode must be changed outside an open transaction.
                 conn.execute("PRAGMA journal_mode=WAL")
@@ -201,18 +209,11 @@ class UserDB:
         if "last_failure_reason" not in column_names:
             conn.execute("ALTER TABLE download_requests ADD COLUMN last_failure_reason TEXT")
 
-        conn.execute(
-            """
-            UPDATE download_requests
-            SET delivery_state = 'unknown'
-            WHERE status = 'fulfilled' AND (delivery_state IS NULL OR TRIM(delivery_state) = '' OR delivery_state = 'none')
-            """
-        )
         conn.execute(
             """
             UPDATE download_requests
             SET delivery_state = 'none'
-            WHERE status != 'fulfilled' AND (delivery_state IS NULL OR TRIM(delivery_state) = '')
+            WHERE delivery_state IS NULL OR TRIM(delivery_state) = '' OR delivery_state IN ('unknown', 'available', 'done')
             """
         )
         conn.execute(
@@ -222,13 +223,6 @@ class UserDB:
             WHERE delivery_state != 'none' AND delivery_updated_at IS NULL
             """
         )
-        conn.execute(
-            """
-            UPDATE download_requests
-            SET delivery_state = 'complete'
-            WHERE delivery_state = 'cleared'
-            """
-        )
 
     def _migrate_download_requests_dismissed_at(self, conn: sqlite3.Connection) -> None:
         """Ensure download_requests.dismissed_at exists for request dismissal history."""
@@ -236,10 +230,20 @@ class UserDB:
         column_names = {str(col["name"]) for col in columns}
         if "dismissed_at" not in column_names:
             conn.execute("ALTER TABLE download_requests ADD COLUMN dismissed_at TIMESTAMP")
-        conn.execute(
-            "CREATE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_download_requests_dismissed "
-            "ON download_requests (dismissed_at) WHERE dismissed_at IS NOT NULL"
-        )
+            conn.execute(
+                "CREATE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_download_requests_dismissed "
+                "ON download_requests (dismissed_at) WHERE dismissed_at IS NOT NULL"
+            )
+
+    def _migrate_download_history_queued_at(self, conn: sqlite3.Connection) -> None:
+        """Ensure download_history.queued_at exists for queue-time recording."""
+        columns = conn.execute("PRAGMA table_info(download_history)").fetchall()
+        column_names = {str(col["name"]) for col in columns}
+        if "queued_at" not in column_names:
+            conn.execute("ALTER TABLE download_history ADD COLUMN queued_at TIMESTAMP")
+            conn.execute(
+                "UPDATE download_history SET queued_at = CURRENT_TIMESTAMP WHERE queued_at IS NULL"
+            )
 
     def create_user(
         self,
@@ -447,13 +451,13 @@ class UserDB:
         policy_mode: str,
         book_data: Dict[str, Any],
         release_data: Optional[Dict[str, Any]] = None,
-        status: str = "pending",
+        status: str = RequestStatus.PENDING,
         source_hint: Optional[str] = None,
         note: Optional[str] = None,
         admin_note: Optional[str] = None,
         reviewed_by: Optional[int] = None,
         reviewed_at: Optional[str] = None,
-        delivery_state: str = "none",
+        delivery_state: str = DELIVERY_STATE_NONE,
         delivery_updated_at: Optional[str] = None,
     ) -> Dict[str, Any]:
         """Create a download request row and return the created record."""
@@ -664,24 +668,8 @@ class UserDB:
                 if "content_type" in updates and not updates["content_type"]:
                     raise ValueError("content_type is required")
 
-                candidate_request_level = updates.get("request_level", current["request_level"])
-                candidate_release_data = (
-                    updates["release_data"] if "release_data" in updates else current["release_data"]
-                )
-                candidate_status = updates.get("status", current["status"])
-                normalized_request_level = normalize_request_level(candidate_request_level)
-                normalized_candidate_status = normalize_request_status(candidate_status)
-
-                if normalized_request_level == "release" and candidate_release_data is None:
-                    raise ValueError("request_level=release requires non-null release_data")
-                if (
-                    normalized_request_level == "book"
-                    and candidate_release_data is not None
-                    and normalized_candidate_status != "fulfilled"
-                ):
-                    raise ValueError("request_level=book requires null release_data")
                 if "request_level" in updates:
-                    updates["request_level"] = normalized_request_level
+                    updates["request_level"] = normalize_request_level(updates["request_level"])
 
                 if "book_data" in updates:
                     if not isinstance(updates["book_data"], dict):
@@ -737,19 +725,17 @@ class UserDB:
                 if current_request is None:
                     return None
 
-                if current_request.get("status") != "fulfilled":
+                if current_request.get("status") != RequestStatus.FULFILLED:
                     return None
 
-                current_delivery_state = safe_delivery_state(
-                    current_request.get("delivery_state"),
-                )
+                current_delivery_state = current_request.get("delivery_state", DELIVERY_STATE_NONE)
 
                 # Terminal hook callbacks can run before delivery-state sync persists "error".
                 # Allow reopening fulfilled requests unless they are already complete.
-                if current_delivery_state == "complete":
+                if current_delivery_state == QueueStatus.COMPLETE:
                     return None
                 if (
-                    current_delivery_state not in {"error", "cancelled"}
+                    current_delivery_state not in {QueueStatus.ERROR, QueueStatus.CANCELLED}
                     and normalized_failure_reason is None
                 ):
                     return None
@@ -843,25 +829,6 @@ class UserDB:
             finally:
                 conn.close()
 
-    def clear_request_dismissals(self, *, user_id: int | None) -> int:
-        """Clear dismissed_at on requests, optionally scoped by owner user_id."""
-        normalized_user_id = normalize_optional_positive_int(user_id, "user_id")
-        params: list[Any] = []
-        query = "UPDATE download_requests SET dismissed_at = NULL WHERE dismissed_at IS NOT NULL"
-        if normalized_user_id is not None:
-            query += " AND user_id = ?"
-            params.append(normalized_user_id)
-
-        with self._lock:
-            conn = self._connect()
-            try:
-                cursor = conn.execute(query, params)
-                conn.commit()
-                rowcount = int(cursor.rowcount) if cursor.rowcount is not None else 0
-                return max(rowcount, 0)
-            finally:
-                conn.close()
-
     def delete_dismissed_requests(self, *, user_id: int | None) -> int:
         """Delete dismissed terminal requests, optionally scoped by owner user_id."""
         normalized_user_id = normalize_optional_positive_int(user_id, "user_id")
diff --git a/shelfmark/download/orchestrator.py b/shelfmark/download/orchestrator.py
index 70e6406..381b471 100644
--- a/shelfmark/download/orchestrator.py
+++ b/shelfmark/download/orchestrator.py
@@ -411,6 +411,14 @@ def _download_task(task_id: str, cancel_flag: Event) -> Optional[str]:
                     exc_type="StatusCallbackError",
                 )
                 return
+            # Don't propagate terminal statuses to the queue here. Output modules
+            # call status_callback("complete") before returning the download path,
+            # but _process_single_download needs to set download_path on the task
+            # first so the terminal hook captures it for history persistence.
+            if status_key in ("complete", "cancelled"):
+                if message is not None:
+                    book_queue.update_status_message(task_id, message)
+                return
             update_download_status(task_id, status, message)
 
         # Get the download handler based on the task's source
@@ -548,22 +556,10 @@ def update_download_progress(book_id: str, progress: float) -> None:
 
 def update_download_status(book_id: str, status: str, message: Optional[str] = None) -> None:
     """Update download status with optional message for UI display."""
-    # Map string status to QueueStatus enum
-    status_map = {
-        'queued': QueueStatus.QUEUED,
-        'resolving': QueueStatus.RESOLVING,
-        'locating': QueueStatus.LOCATING,
-        'downloading': QueueStatus.DOWNLOADING,
-        'complete': QueueStatus.COMPLETE,
-        'available': QueueStatus.AVAILABLE,
-        'error': QueueStatus.ERROR,
-        'done': QueueStatus.DONE,
-        'cancelled': QueueStatus.CANCELLED,
-    }
-    
     status_key = status.lower()
-    queue_status_enum = status_map.get(status_key)
-    if not queue_status_enum:
+    try:
+        queue_status_enum = QueueStatus(status_key)
+    except ValueError:
         return
 
     # Always update activity timestamp (used by stall detection) even if the status
@@ -598,16 +594,20 @@ def cancel_download(book_id: str) -> bool:
 
 
 def retry_download(book_id: str) -> Tuple[bool, Optional[str]]:
-    """Retry a failed standalone download."""
+    """Retry a failed or cancelled download.
+
+    Request-linked downloads can only be retried when cancelled (errors
+    reopen the request for admin re-approval instead).
+    """
     task = book_queue.get_task(book_id)
     if task is None:
         return False, "Download not found"
 
     status = book_queue.get_task_status(book_id)
-    if status != QueueStatus.ERROR:
-        return False, "Download is not in an error state"
+    if status not in (QueueStatus.ERROR, QueueStatus.CANCELLED):
+        return False, "Download is not in an error or cancelled state"
 
-    if task.request_id:
+    if task.request_id and status != QueueStatus.CANCELLED:
         return False, "Request-linked downloads must be retried from requests"
 
     task.last_error_message = None
diff --git a/shelfmark/main.py b/shelfmark/main.py
index 80852b8..d20e8e2 100644
--- a/shelfmark/main.py
+++ b/shelfmark/main.py
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ from werkzeug.security import check_password_hash
 from werkzeug.wrappers import Response
 
 from shelfmark.download import orchestrator as backend
+from shelfmark.release_sources import get_source_display_name
 from shelfmark.release_sources.direct_download import SearchUnavailable
 from shelfmark.config.settings import _SUPPORTED_BOOK_LANGUAGE
 from shelfmark.config.env import (
@@ -27,7 +28,7 @@ from shelfmark.config.env import (
 )
 from shelfmark.core.config import config as app_config
 from shelfmark.core.logger import setup_logger
-from shelfmark.core.models import SearchFilters, QueueStatus
+from shelfmark.core.models import SearchFilters, QueueStatus, TERMINAL_QUEUE_STATUSES
 from shelfmark.core.prefix_middleware import PrefixMiddleware
 from shelfmark.core.auth_modes import (
     get_auth_check_admin_status,
@@ -53,9 +54,9 @@ from shelfmark.core.download_history_service import DownloadHistoryService
 from shelfmark.core.notifications import NotificationContext, NotificationEvent, notify_admin, notify_user
 from shelfmark.core.request_helpers import (
     coerce_bool,
-    extract_release_source_id,
     load_users_request_policy_settings,
     normalize_optional_text,
+    normalize_positive_int,
 )
 from shelfmark.core.utils import normalize_base_path
 from shelfmark.api.websocket import ws_manager
@@ -1104,16 +1105,10 @@ def _resolve_status_scope(*, require_authenticated: bool = True) -> tuple[bool,
 
 
 def _queue_status_to_final_activity_status(status: QueueStatus) -> str | None:
-    if status == QueueStatus.COMPLETE:
-        return "complete"
-    if status == QueueStatus.ERROR:
-        return "error"
-    if status == QueueStatus.CANCELLED:
-        return "cancelled"
-    return None
+    return status.value if status in TERMINAL_QUEUE_STATUSES else None
 
 def _queue_status_to_notification_event(status: QueueStatus) -> NotificationEvent | None:
-    if status in {QueueStatus.COMPLETE, QueueStatus.AVAILABLE, QueueStatus.DONE}:
+    if status == QueueStatus.COMPLETE:
         return NotificationEvent.DOWNLOAD_COMPLETE
     if status == QueueStatus.ERROR:
         return NotificationEvent.DOWNLOAD_FAILED
@@ -1169,6 +1164,41 @@ def _notify_admin_for_terminal_download_status(*, task_id: str, status: QueueSta
         )
 
 
+def _record_download_queued(task_id: str, task: Any) -> None:
+    """Persist initial download record when a task enters the queue."""
+    if download_history_service is None:
+        return
+
+    owner_user_id = normalize_positive_int(getattr(task, "user_id", None))
+    request_id = normalize_positive_int(getattr(task, "request_id", None))
+    origin = "requested" if request_id else "direct"
+
+    source_name = normalize_source(getattr(task, "source", None))
+    try:
+        source_display = get_source_display_name(source_name)
+    except Exception:
+        source_display = None
+
+    try:
+        download_history_service.record_download(
+            task_id=task_id,
+            user_id=owner_user_id,
+            username=normalize_optional_text(getattr(task, "username", None)),
+            request_id=request_id,
+            source=source_name,
+            source_display_name=source_display,
+            title=str(getattr(task, "title", "Unknown title") or "Unknown title"),
+            author=normalize_optional_text(getattr(task, "author", None)),
+            format=normalize_optional_text(getattr(task, "format", None)),
+            size=normalize_optional_text(getattr(task, "size", None)),
+            preview=normalize_optional_text(getattr(task, "preview", None)),
+            content_type=normalize_optional_text(getattr(task, "content_type", None)),
+            origin=origin,
+        )
+    except Exception as exc:
+        logger.warning("Failed to record download at queue time for task %s: %s", task_id, exc)
+
+
 def _record_download_terminal_snapshot(task_id: str, status: QueueStatus, task: Any) -> None:
     _notify_admin_for_terminal_download_status(task_id=task_id, status=status, task=task)
 
@@ -1176,68 +1206,22 @@ def _record_download_terminal_snapshot(task_id: str, status: QueueStatus, task:
     if final_status is None:
         return
 
-    raw_owner_user_id = getattr(task, "user_id", None)
-    try:
-        owner_user_id = int(raw_owner_user_id) if raw_owner_user_id is not None else None
-    except (TypeError, ValueError):
-        owner_user_id = None
-
-    linked_request: dict[str, Any] | None = None
-    request_id: int | None = None
-    origin = "direct"
-    if user_db is not None and owner_user_id is not None:
-        fulfilled_rows = user_db.list_requests(user_id=owner_user_id, status="fulfilled")
-        for row in fulfilled_rows:
-            source_id = extract_release_source_id(row.get("release_data"))
-            if source_id == task_id:
-                linked_request = row
-                origin = "requested"
-                try:
-                    request_id = int(row.get("id"))
-                except (TypeError, ValueError):
-                    request_id = None
-                break
-
-    try:
-        download_payload = backend._task_to_dict(task)
-    except Exception as exc:
-        logger.warning("Failed to serialize task payload for terminal snapshot: %s", exc)
-        download_payload = {
-            "id": task_id,
-            "title": getattr(task, "title", "Unknown title"),
-            "author": getattr(task, "author", "Unknown author"),
-            "source": getattr(task, "source", "direct_download"),
-            "added_time": getattr(task, "added_time", 0),
-            "status_message": getattr(task, "status_message", None),
-            "download_path": getattr(task, "download_path", None),
-            "user_id": getattr(task, "user_id", None),
-            "username": getattr(task, "username", None),
-        }
-
     if download_history_service is not None:
         try:
-            download_history_service.record_terminal(
-                user_id=owner_user_id,
+            download_history_service.finalize_download(
                 task_id=task_id,
-                username=normalize_optional_text(getattr(task, "username", None)),
-                request_id=request_id,
-                source=normalize_source(getattr(task, "source", None)),
-                source_display_name=download_payload.get("source_display_name"),
-                title=str(download_payload.get("title") or getattr(task, "title", "Unknown title")),
-                author=normalize_optional_text(download_payload.get("author")),
-                format=normalize_optional_text(download_payload.get("format")),
-                size=normalize_optional_text(download_payload.get("size")),
-                preview=normalize_optional_text(download_payload.get("preview")),
-                content_type=normalize_optional_text(download_payload.get("content_type")),
-                origin=origin,
                 final_status=final_status,
-                status_message=normalize_optional_text(download_payload.get("status_message")),
-                download_path=normalize_optional_text(download_payload.get("download_path")),
+                status_message=normalize_optional_text(getattr(task, "status_message", None)),
+                download_path=normalize_optional_text(getattr(task, "download_path", None)),
             )
         except Exception as exc:
-            logger.warning("Failed to record terminal download history for task %s: %s", task_id, exc)
+            logger.warning("Failed to finalize download history for task %s: %s", task_id, exc)
 
-    if user_db is None or linked_request is None or request_id is None or status != QueueStatus.ERROR:
+    if user_db is None or status != QueueStatus.ERROR:
+        return
+
+    request_id = normalize_positive_int(getattr(task, "request_id", None))
+    if request_id is None:
         return
 
     raw_error_message = getattr(task, "status_message", None)
@@ -1280,18 +1264,7 @@ def _task_owned_by_actor(task: Any, *, actor_user_id: int | None, actor_username
     return False
 
 
-def _is_graduated_request_download(task_id: str, *, user_id: int) -> bool:
-    if user_db is None:
-        return False
-
-    fulfilled_rows = user_db.list_requests(user_id=user_id, status="fulfilled")
-    for row in fulfilled_rows:
-        source_id = extract_release_source_id(row.get("release_data"))
-        if source_id == task_id:
-            return True
-    return False
-
-
+backend.book_queue.set_queue_hook(_record_download_queued)
 backend.book_queue.set_terminal_status_hook(_record_download_terminal_snapshot)
 
 
@@ -1502,7 +1475,7 @@ def api_cancel_download(book_id: str) -> Union[Response, Tuple[Response, int]]:
             ):
                 return jsonify({"error": "Forbidden", "code": "download_not_owned"}), 403
 
-            if _is_graduated_request_download(book_id, user_id=db_user_id):
+            if getattr(task, "request_id", None) is not None:
                 return jsonify({"error": "Forbidden", "code": "requested_download_cancel_forbidden"}), 403
 
         success = backend.cancel_download(book_id)
@@ -1537,16 +1510,8 @@ def api_retry_download(book_id: str) -> Union[Response, Tuple[Response, int]]:
             ):
                 return jsonify({"error": "Forbidden", "code": "download_not_owned"}), 403
 
-        raw_owner_user_id = getattr(task, "user_id", None)
-        try:
-            owner_user_id = int(raw_owner_user_id) if raw_owner_user_id is not None else None
-        except (TypeError, ValueError):
-            owner_user_id = None
-
-        is_request_linked = bool(getattr(task, "request_id", None))
-        if not is_request_linked and owner_user_id is not None:
-            is_request_linked = _is_graduated_request_download(book_id, user_id=owner_user_id)
-        if is_request_linked:
+        task_status = backend.book_queue.get_task_status(book_id)
+        if getattr(task, "request_id", None) is not None and task_status != QueueStatus.CANCELLED:
             return jsonify({"error": "Forbidden", "code": "requested_download_retry_forbidden"}), 403
 
         success, error = backend.retry_download(book_id)
@@ -2465,6 +2430,7 @@ def api_settings_get_all() -> Union[Response, Tuple[Response, int]]:
         # This triggers the @register_settings decorators
         import shelfmark.config.settings  # noqa: F401
         import shelfmark.config.security  # noqa: F401
+        import shelfmark.config.users_settings  # noqa: F401
         import shelfmark.config.notifications_settings  # noqa: F401
 
         data = serialize_all_settings(include_values=True)
@@ -2495,6 +2461,7 @@ def api_settings_get_tab(tab_name: str) -> Union[Response, Tuple[Response, int]]
         # Ensure settings are registered
         import shelfmark.config.settings  # noqa: F401
         import shelfmark.config.security  # noqa: F401
+        import shelfmark.config.users_settings  # noqa: F401
         import shelfmark.config.notifications_settings  # noqa: F401
 
         tab = get_settings_tab(tab_name)
@@ -2531,6 +2498,7 @@ def api_settings_update_tab(tab_name: str) -> Union[Response, Tuple[Response, in
         # Ensure settings are registered
         import shelfmark.config.settings  # noqa: F401
         import shelfmark.config.security  # noqa: F401
+        import shelfmark.config.users_settings  # noqa: F401
         import shelfmark.config.notifications_settings  # noqa: F401
 
         tab = get_settings_tab(tab_name)
@@ -2578,6 +2546,7 @@ def api_settings_execute_action(tab_name: str, action_key: str) -> Union[Respons
         # Ensure settings are registered
         import shelfmark.config.settings  # noqa: F401
         import shelfmark.config.security  # noqa: F401
+        import shelfmark.config.users_settings  # noqa: F401
         import shelfmark.config.notifications_settings  # noqa: F401
 
         # Get current form values if provided (for testing with unsaved values)
diff --git a/src/frontend/src/App.tsx b/src/frontend/src/App.tsx
index 2e96194..dacd30e 100644
--- a/src/frontend/src/App.tsx
+++ b/src/frontend/src/App.tsx
@@ -299,16 +299,29 @@ function App() {
   }, [currentStatus, dismissedDownloadTaskIds]);
 
   // Use real-time buckets for active work and merge persisted terminal buckets
-  // so completed/errored entries survive restarts.
-  const activitySidebarStatus = useMemo<StatusData>(() => ({
+  // so completed/errored entries survive restarts.  Filter out dismissed items
+  // so the sidebar counts stay consistent with the activity panel.
+  const activitySidebarStatus = useMemo<StatusData>(() => {
+    const filterDismissed = (
+      bucket: Record<string, Book> | undefined
+    ): Record<string, Book> | undefined => {
+      if (!bucket || dismissedDownloadTaskIds.size === 0) return bucket;
+      const filtered = Object.fromEntries(
+        Object.entries(bucket).filter(([taskId]) => !dismissedDownloadTaskIds.has(taskId))
+      ) as Record<string, Book>;
+      return Object.keys(filtered).length > 0 ? filtered : undefined;
+    };
+
+    return {
       queued: currentStatus.queued,
       resolving: currentStatus.resolving,
       locating: currentStatus.locating,
       downloading: currentStatus.downloading,
-      complete: mergeTerminalBucket(activityStatus.complete, currentStatus.complete),
-      error: mergeTerminalBucket(activityStatus.error, currentStatus.error),
-      cancelled: mergeTerminalBucket(activityStatus.cancelled, currentStatus.cancelled),
-  }), [activityStatus, currentStatus]);
+      complete: filterDismissed(mergeTerminalBucket(activityStatus.complete, currentStatus.complete)),
+      error: filterDismissed(mergeTerminalBucket(activityStatus.error, currentStatus.error)),
+      cancelled: filterDismissed(mergeTerminalBucket(activityStatus.cancelled, currentStatus.cancelled)),
+    };
+  }, [activityStatus, currentStatus, dismissedDownloadTaskIds]);
 
   const showRequestsTab = useMemo(() => {
     if (requestRoleIsAdmin) {
diff --git a/src/frontend/src/components/activity/activityCardModel.ts b/src/frontend/src/components/activity/activityCardModel.ts
index a27c3c3..4ee0ceb 100644
--- a/src/frontend/src/components/activity/activityCardModel.ts
+++ b/src/frontend/src/components/activity/activityCardModel.ts
@@ -175,6 +175,19 @@ const buildActions = (item: ActivityItem, isAdmin: boolean): ActivityCardAction[
         },
       ];
     }
+    if (item.visualStatus === 'cancelled') {
+      return [
+        {
+          kind: 'download-retry',
+          bookId: item.downloadBookId,
+        },
+        {
+          kind: 'download-dismiss',
+          bookId: item.downloadBookId,
+          linkedRequestId: item.requestId,
+        },
+      ];
+    }
     return [
       {
         kind: 'download-dismiss',
diff --git a/src/frontend/src/hooks/useActivity.ts b/src/frontend/src/hooks/useActivity.ts
index f303d28..39cc89f 100644
--- a/src/frontend/src/hooks/useActivity.ts
+++ b/src/frontend/src/hooks/useActivity.ts
@@ -407,6 +407,7 @@ export const useActivity = ({
     void clearActivityHistory()
       .then(() => {
         void refreshActivitySnapshot();
+        void refreshActivityHistory();
       })
       .catch((error) => {
         console.error('Clear history failed:', error);
diff --git a/src/frontend/src/services/api.ts b/src/frontend/src/services/api.ts
index 590be07..8956a05 100644
--- a/src/frontend/src/services/api.ts
+++ b/src/frontend/src/services/api.ts
@@ -430,7 +430,7 @@ export interface ActivityDismissPayload {
 }
 
 export interface ActivityHistoryItem {
-  id: number;
+  id: string;
   user_id: number;
   item_type: 'download' | 'request';
   item_key: string;
diff --git a/src/frontend/src/types/index.ts b/src/frontend/src/types/index.ts
index 29fe566..b3a82c2 100644
--- a/src/frontend/src/types/index.ts
+++ b/src/frontend/src/types/index.ts
@@ -207,7 +207,7 @@ export interface RequestRecord {
   id: number;
   user_id: number;
   status: 'pending' | 'fulfilled' | 'rejected' | 'cancelled';
-  delivery_state?: 'none' | 'unknown' | 'queued' | 'resolving' | 'locating' | 'downloading' | 'complete' | 'error' | 'cancelled';
+  delivery_state?: 'none' | 'queued' | 'resolving' | 'locating' | 'downloading' | 'complete' | 'error' | 'cancelled';
   delivery_updated_at?: string | null;
   last_failure_reason?: string | null;
   source_hint: string | null;
diff --git a/tests/core/test_activity_routes_api.py b/tests/core/test_activity_routes_api.py
index 4f5d6fe..1f3b7a2 100644
--- a/tests/core/test_activity_routes_api.py
+++ b/tests/core/test_activity_routes_api.py
@@ -53,8 +53,10 @@ def _record_terminal_download(
     final_status: str = "complete",
     request_id: int | None = None,
     status_message: str | None = None,
+    download_path: str | None = None,
 ) -> None:
-    main_module.download_history_service.record_terminal(
+    svc = main_module.download_history_service
+    svc.record_download(
         task_id=task_id,
         user_id=user_id,
         username=username,
@@ -68,9 +70,12 @@ def _record_terminal_download(
         preview=None,
         content_type="ebook",
         origin=origin,
+    )
+    svc.finalize_download(
+        task_id=task_id,
         final_status=final_status,
         status_message=status_message,
-        download_path=None,
+        download_path=download_path,
     )
 
 
@@ -162,6 +167,36 @@ class TestActivityRoutes:
         assert history_after_clear.status_code == 200
         assert history_after_clear.json == []
 
+    def test_dismiss_preserves_terminal_snapshot_without_live_queue_merge(self, main_module, client):
+        user = _create_user(main_module, prefix="reader")
+        _set_session(client, user_id=user["username"], db_user_id=user["id"], is_admin=False)
+
+        task_id = "dismiss-preserve-task"
+        _record_terminal_download(
+            main_module,
+            task_id=task_id,
+            user_id=user["id"],
+            username=user["username"],
+            title="Recorded Title",
+            author="Recorded Author",
+            status_message="Complete",
+        )
+
+        with patch.object(main_module, "get_auth_mode", return_value="builtin"):
+            dismiss_response = client.post(
+                "/api/activity/dismiss",
+                json={"item_type": "download", "item_key": f"download:{task_id}"},
+            )
+            history_response = client.get("/api/activity/history?limit=10&offset=0")
+
+        assert dismiss_response.status_code == 200
+        assert history_response.status_code == 200
+        assert history_response.json[0]["item_key"] == f"download:{task_id}"
+        snapshot_download = history_response.json[0]["snapshot"]["download"]
+        assert snapshot_download["title"] == "Recorded Title"
+        assert snapshot_download["author"] == "Recorded Author"
+        assert snapshot_download["status_message"] is None
+
     def test_clear_history_deletes_dismissed_requests_from_snapshot(self, main_module, client):
         user = _create_user(main_module, prefix="reader")
         _set_session(client, user_id=user["username"], db_user_id=user["id"], is_admin=False)
@@ -248,27 +283,6 @@ class TestActivityRoutes:
             user_id=user["id"],
             username=user["username"],
             title="History Local Download",
-        )
-
-        row = main_module.download_history_service.get_by_task_id(task_id)
-        assert row is not None
-        assert main_module.download_history_service is not None
-        main_module.download_history_service.record_terminal(
-            task_id=task_id,
-            user_id=user["id"],
-            username=user["username"],
-            request_id=row.get("request_id"),
-            source=row.get("source") or "direct_download",
-            source_display_name=row.get("source_display_name"),
-            title=row.get("title") or "History Local Download",
-            author=row.get("author"),
-            format=row.get("format"),
-            size=row.get("size"),
-            preview=row.get("preview"),
-            content_type=row.get("content_type"),
-            origin=row.get("origin") or "direct",
-            final_status=row.get("final_status") or "complete",
-            status_message=row.get("status_message"),
             download_path=str(file_path),
         )
 
@@ -295,7 +309,7 @@ class TestActivityRoutes:
                 "provider_id": "legacy-fulfilled-1",
             },
             status="fulfilled",
-            delivery_state="unknown",
+            delivery_state="none",
         )
 
         with patch.object(main_module, "get_auth_mode", return_value="builtin"):
@@ -355,6 +369,51 @@ class TestActivityRoutes:
             to=f"user_{user['id']}",
         )
 
+    def test_dismiss_many_preserves_terminal_snapshots_without_live_queue_merge(self, main_module, client):
+        user = _create_user(main_module, prefix="reader")
+        _set_session(client, user_id=user["username"], db_user_id=user["id"], is_admin=False)
+
+        first_task_id = "dismiss-many-preserve-1"
+        second_task_id = "dismiss-many-preserve-2"
+        _record_terminal_download(
+            main_module,
+            task_id=first_task_id,
+            user_id=user["id"],
+            username=user["username"],
+            title="First Title",
+            author="First Author",
+        )
+        _record_terminal_download(
+            main_module,
+            task_id=second_task_id,
+            user_id=user["id"],
+            username=user["username"],
+            title="Second Title",
+            author="Second Author",
+        )
+
+        with patch.object(main_module, "get_auth_mode", return_value="builtin"):
+            dismiss_many_response = client.post(
+                "/api/activity/dismiss-many",
+                json={
+                    "items": [
+                        {"item_type": "download", "item_key": f"download:{first_task_id}"},
+                        {"item_type": "download", "item_key": f"download:{second_task_id}"},
+                    ]
+                },
+            )
+            history_response = client.get("/api/activity/history?limit=20&offset=0")
+
+        assert dismiss_many_response.status_code == 200
+        assert dismiss_many_response.json["count"] == 2
+        assert history_response.status_code == 200
+
+        rows_by_key = {row["item_key"]: row for row in history_response.json}
+        assert rows_by_key[f"download:{first_task_id}"]["snapshot"]["download"]["title"] == "First Title"
+        assert rows_by_key[f"download:{first_task_id}"]["snapshot"]["download"]["author"] == "First Author"
+        assert rows_by_key[f"download:{second_task_id}"]["snapshot"]["download"]["title"] == "Second Title"
+        assert rows_by_key[f"download:{second_task_id}"]["snapshot"]["download"]["author"] == "Second Author"
+
     def test_no_auth_dismiss_many_and_history_use_shared_identity(self, main_module):
         task_id = f"no-auth-{uuid.uuid4().hex[:10]}"
         item_key = f"download:{task_id}"
@@ -513,6 +572,77 @@ class TestActivityRoutes:
         assert "cross-user-expired-task" in response.json["status"]["complete"]
         assert response.json["status"]["complete"]["cross-user-expired-task"]["id"] == "cross-user-expired-task"
 
+    def test_snapshot_shows_stale_active_download_as_interrupted_error(self, main_module, client):
+        user = _create_user(main_module, prefix="reader")
+        _set_session(client, user_id=user["username"], db_user_id=user["id"], is_admin=False)
+
+        # Record a download at queue time (active status) but don't put it in the queue
+        main_module.download_history_service.record_download(
+            task_id="stale-active-task",
+            user_id=user["id"],
+            username=user["username"],
+            request_id=None,
+            source="direct_download",
+            source_display_name="Direct Download",
+            title="Stale Active Task",
+            author="Stale Author",
+            format="epub",
+            size="1 MB",
+            preview=None,
+            content_type="ebook",
+            origin="direct",
+        )
+
+        with patch.object(main_module, "get_auth_mode", return_value="builtin"):
+            with patch.object(main_module.backend, "queue_status", return_value=_sample_status_payload()):
+                response = client.get("/api/activity/snapshot")
+
+        assert response.status_code == 200
+        assert "stale-active-task" in response.json["status"]["error"]
+        assert response.json["status"]["error"]["stale-active-task"]["status_message"] == "Interrupted"
+
+    def test_snapshot_active_download_with_queue_entry_shows_in_correct_bucket(self, main_module, client):
+        user = _create_user(main_module, prefix="reader")
+        _set_session(client, user_id=user["username"], db_user_id=user["id"], is_admin=False)
+
+        # Record a download at queue time
+        main_module.download_history_service.record_download(
+            task_id="active-downloading-task",
+            user_id=user["id"],
+            username=user["username"],
+            request_id=None,
+            source="direct_download",
+            source_display_name="Direct Download",
+            title="Active Downloading Task",
+            author="Active Author",
+            format="epub",
+            size="2 MB",
+            preview=None,
+            content_type="ebook",
+            origin="direct",
+        )
+
+        # Simulate it being active in the queue
+        active_status = _sample_status_payload()
+        active_status["downloading"] = {
+            "active-downloading-task": {
+                "id": "active-downloading-task",
+                "title": "Active Downloading Task",
+                "author": "Active Author",
+                "source": "direct_download",
+                "progress": 0.5,
+                "status_message": "Downloading 50%",
+            }
+        }
+
+        with patch.object(main_module, "get_auth_mode", return_value="builtin"):
+            with patch.object(main_module.backend, "queue_status", return_value=active_status):
+                response = client.get("/api/activity/snapshot")
+
+        assert response.status_code == 200
+        assert "active-downloading-task" in response.json["status"]["downloading"]
+        assert response.json["status"]["downloading"]["active-downloading-task"]["progress"] == 0.5
+
     def test_snapshot_clears_stale_download_dismissal_when_same_task_is_active(self, main_module, client):
         user = _create_user(main_module, prefix="reader")
         _set_session(client, user_id=user["username"], db_user_id=user["id"], is_admin=False)
diff --git a/tests/core/test_activity_terminal_snapshots.py b/tests/core/test_activity_terminal_snapshots.py
index df79107..6af35d9 100644
--- a/tests/core/test_activity_terminal_snapshots.py
+++ b/tests/core/test_activity_terminal_snapshots.py
@@ -93,6 +93,7 @@ class TestTerminalSnapshotCapture:
             title="Requested Snapshot",
             user_id=user["id"],
             username=user["username"],
+            request_id=request_row["id"],
         )
         assert main_module.backend.book_queue.add(task) is True
 
@@ -193,6 +194,103 @@ class TestTerminalSnapshotCapture:
         finally:
             main_module.backend.book_queue.cancel_download(task_id)
 
+    def test_queue_hook_records_active_row_at_queue_time(self, main_module):
+        user = _create_user(main_module, prefix="snap-queue")
+        task_id = f"queue-{uuid.uuid4().hex[:8]}"
+        task = DownloadTask(
+            task_id=task_id,
+            source="direct_download",
+            title="Queue Time Snapshot",
+            author="Queue Author",
+            user_id=user["id"],
+            username=user["username"],
+        )
+        assert main_module.backend.book_queue.add(task) is True
+
+        try:
+            row = _read_download_history_row(main_module, task_id)
+            assert row is not None
+            assert row["final_status"] == "active"
+            assert row["user_id"] == user["id"]
+            assert row["task_id"] == task_id
+            assert row["origin"] == "direct"
+            assert row["title"] == "Queue Time Snapshot"
+            assert row["author"] == "Queue Author"
+            assert row["queued_at"] is not None
+        finally:
+            main_module.backend.book_queue.cancel_download(task_id)
+
+    def test_queue_hook_records_requested_origin_for_request_linked_task(self, main_module):
+        user = _create_user(main_module, prefix="snap-queue-req")
+        task_id = f"queue-req-{uuid.uuid4().hex[:8]}"
+        request_row = main_module.user_db.create_request(
+            user_id=user["id"],
+            content_type="ebook",
+            request_level="release",
+            policy_mode="request_release",
+            book_data={
+                "title": "Requested Queue",
+                "author": "Request Author",
+                "provider": "openlibrary",
+                "provider_id": "queue-req-1",
+            },
+            release_data={
+                "source": "prowlarr",
+                "source_id": task_id,
+                "title": "Requested Queue.epub",
+            },
+            status="fulfilled",
+            delivery_state="queued",
+        )
+        task = DownloadTask(
+            task_id=task_id,
+            source="prowlarr",
+            title="Requested Queue",
+            user_id=user["id"],
+            username=user["username"],
+            request_id=request_row["id"],
+        )
+        assert main_module.backend.book_queue.add(task) is True
+
+        try:
+            row = _read_download_history_row(main_module, task_id)
+            assert row is not None
+            assert row["final_status"] == "active"
+            assert row["origin"] == "requested"
+            assert row["request_id"] == request_row["id"]
+        finally:
+            main_module.backend.book_queue.cancel_download(task_id)
+
+    def test_finalize_updates_active_row_to_terminal(self, main_module):
+        user = _create_user(main_module, prefix="snap-finalize")
+        task_id = f"finalize-{uuid.uuid4().hex[:8]}"
+        task = DownloadTask(
+            task_id=task_id,
+            source="direct_download",
+            title="Finalize Snapshot",
+            user_id=user["id"],
+            username=user["username"],
+        )
+        assert main_module.backend.book_queue.add(task) is True
+
+        try:
+            # Verify active row exists
+            row = _read_download_history_row(main_module, task_id)
+            assert row is not None
+            assert row["final_status"] == "active"
+
+            # Transition to complete
+            main_module.backend.book_queue.update_status(task_id, QueueStatus.COMPLETE)
+
+            row = _read_download_history_row(main_module, task_id)
+            assert row is not None
+            assert row["final_status"] == "complete"
+            # Metadata from queue-time should be preserved
+            assert row["title"] == "Finalize Snapshot"
+            assert row["user_id"] == user["id"]
+        finally:
+            main_module.backend.book_queue.cancel_download(task_id)
+
     def test_cancelled_transition_does_not_trigger_notification(self, main_module):
         user = _create_user(main_module, prefix="snap-notify-cancel")
         task_id = f"notify-cancel-{uuid.uuid4().hex[:8]}"
diff --git a/tests/core/test_download_api_guardrails.py b/tests/core/test_download_api_guardrails.py
index 4c1dd6d..95ad067 100644
--- a/tests/core/test_download_api_guardrails.py
+++ b/tests/core/test_download_api_guardrails.py
@@ -535,7 +535,7 @@ class TestCancelDownloadEndpointGuardrails:
             db_user_id=user["id"],
             is_admin=False,
         )
-        main_module.user_db.create_request(
+        request_row = main_module.user_db.create_request(
             user_id=user["id"],
             content_type="ebook",
             request_level="release",
@@ -560,6 +560,7 @@ class TestCancelDownloadEndpointGuardrails:
             title="Requested Book",
             user_id=user["id"],
             username=user["username"],
+            request_id=request_row["id"],
         )
 
         with patch.object(main_module, "get_auth_mode", return_value="builtin"):
@@ -721,7 +722,7 @@ class TestRetryDownloadEndpointGuardrails:
             db_user_id=user["id"],
             is_admin=False,
         )
-        main_module.user_db.create_request(
+        request_row = main_module.user_db.create_request(
             user_id=user["id"],
             content_type="ebook",
             request_level="release",
@@ -746,6 +747,7 @@ class TestRetryDownloadEndpointGuardrails:
             title="Requested Book",
             user_id=user["id"],
             username=user["username"],
+            request_id=request_row["id"],
         )
 
         with patch.object(main_module, "get_auth_mode", return_value="builtin"):
diff --git a/tests/core/test_request_routes_api.py b/tests/core/test_request_routes_api.py
index d6ab289..0117af6 100644
--- a/tests/core/test_request_routes_api.py
+++ b/tests/core/test_request_routes_api.py
@@ -922,7 +922,7 @@ class TestRequestRoutes:
                     fulfil_resp = client.post(f"/api/admin/requests/{request_id}/fulfil", json={})
 
         assert fulfil_resp.status_code == 400
-        assert "release_data is required to fulfil book-level requests" in fulfil_resp.json["error"]
+        assert "release_data is required to fulfil requests" in fulfil_resp.json["error"]
 
     def test_admin_fulfil_book_level_request_manual_approval(self, main_module, client):
         user = _create_user(main_module, prefix="reader")
diff --git a/tests/core/test_requests_service.py b/tests/core/test_requests_service.py
index 9a1b831..cd10497 100644
--- a/tests/core/test_requests_service.py
+++ b/tests/core/test_requests_service.py
@@ -307,7 +307,7 @@ def test_fulfil_request_requires_release_data_for_book_level(user_db):
         book_data=_book_data(),
     )
 
-    with pytest.raises(RequestServiceError, match="release_data is required to fulfil book-level requests"):
+    with pytest.raises(RequestServiceError, match="release_data is required to fulfil requests"):
         fulfil_request(
             user_db,
             request_id=created["id"],
diff --git a/tests/core/test_user_db.py b/tests/core/test_user_db.py
index f28947d..57f3694 100644
--- a/tests/core/test_user_db.py
+++ b/tests/core/test_user_db.py
@@ -818,9 +818,6 @@ class TestDownloadRequests:
             book_data=self._book_data(),
         )
 
-        with pytest.raises(ValueError, match="request_level=release requires non-null release_data"):
-            user_db.update_request(created["id"], request_level="release")
-
         updated = user_db.update_request(
             created["id"],
             request_level="release",
@@ -1015,36 +1012,6 @@ class TestDownloadRequests:
         bob_rows = user_db.list_dismissed_requests(user_id=bob["id"])
         assert [row["id"] for row in bob_rows] == [second["id"]]
 
-    def test_clear_request_dismissals_scopes_by_user(self, user_db):
-        alice = user_db.create_user(username="alice")
-        bob = user_db.create_user(username="bob")
-        alice_request = user_db.create_request(
-            user_id=alice["id"],
-            content_type="ebook",
-            request_level="book",
-            policy_mode="request_book",
-            book_data=self._book_data(),
-        )
-        bob_request = user_db.create_request(
-            user_id=bob["id"],
-            content_type="ebook",
-            request_level="book",
-            policy_mode="request_book",
-            book_data=self._book_data(),
-        )
-
-        user_db.update_request(alice_request["id"], dismissed_at="2026-01-01T10:00:00+00:00")
-        user_db.update_request(bob_request["id"], dismissed_at="2026-01-01T11:00:00+00:00")
-
-        cleared_alice = user_db.clear_request_dismissals(user_id=alice["id"])
-        assert cleared_alice == 1
-        assert user_db.get_request(alice_request["id"])["dismissed_at"] is None
-        assert user_db.get_request(bob_request["id"])["dismissed_at"] is not None
-
-        cleared_all = user_db.clear_request_dismissals(user_id=None)
-        assert cleared_all == 1
-        assert user_db.get_request(bob_request["id"])["dismissed_at"] is None
-
     def test_delete_dismissed_requests_scopes_by_user_and_only_deletes_terminal(self, user_db):
         alice = user_db.create_user(username="alice")
         bob = user_db.create_user(username="bob")
@@ -1092,8 +1059,5 @@ class TestDownloadRequests:
         with pytest.raises(ValueError, match="user_id must be a positive integer"):
             user_db.list_dismissed_requests(user_id=0)
 
-        with pytest.raises(ValueError, match="user_id must be a positive integer"):
-            user_db.clear_request_dismissals(user_id=-1)
-
         with pytest.raises(ValueError, match="user_id must be a positive integer"):
             user_db.delete_dismissed_requests(user_id=0)