The Inter-Library Loan Service (ILL) is available for our patrons who desire materials that are not currently located at the branch they visit or available within the library system’s collections. If an item is not available at the branch you visit, we will do one of three things:
- If an item is located at another branch within our library system, we will retrieve the item and notify the patron when it is available for check-out at the branch of the patron’s choice.
- If an item is not currently available within the library system, we will evaluate the requested item for purchase by the library system. If we purchase the item, we will notify the patron when the item is available for check-out.
- If an item is not currently available within the library system and the library system declines to purchase the item, we will make every effort to borrow the item from another library. We will notify the patron when the item is either available for check-out or that the item is unavailable in the event that we are unable to borrow the item.
Patrons may request print books, audiobooks (i.e., books on CD), and DVDs (i.e., movies, documentaries, etc.) that have been published/available for at least six months. Unfortunately, eBooks are not currently available to borrow through the ILL Service. Additionally, please keep in mind that libraries do not lend all the materials in their collections, especially reference-type materials or rare, one-of-a-kind items, so we cannot guarantee we will be able to borrow all materials requested.
Any patron with a library card in good standing may utilize this service by asking for an ILL Request Form at the Circulation Desk at any of our branches. Most ILL request items are available for check-out within 2-3 weeks, but may take longer in some instances, and the check-out period is generally about 2 weeks. In most cases, ILL materials may be renewed if more time is needed. If you need to keep ILL materials for a longer period, just notify us at least 3 days before the item is due.