Interlibrary Loan

Didn't find what you were looking for in our catalogue?

The Orillia Public Library welcomes your requests! We can borrow items from other libraries in Ontario for you through Interlibrary Loan. Everyone with a valid Library card can fill out an online request form, except for those who have purchased a non-resident one-month membership.

Before requesting an Interlibrary Loan, check the Orillia Public Library catalogue. If we have the title you are looking for, please log in to your account to place a hold through our catalogue.
If you feel we are missing something in our collection, please let us know! We appreciate your input. If the item in question is less than a year old it may be a contender! Please Suggest a Purchase.

How can I request an item through Interlibrary Loan?

To request an item through Interlibrary Loan, please fill out this online request form. You must have an active account in good standing to request a title. Questions? Please email us or call the Information Services Desk at 705-325-2556. (*Self-serve ILLO is not available.)

*Please note that requests will not be processed until January 2025 as delays have been incurred due to the Canada Post strike. Also, we are transitioning to a new Interlibrary Loan system and it may take longer than usual to fulfill requests as libraries across Ontario become accustomed to this new system.

What can I request?

Print material (fiction and nonfiction) published more than one year ago
Audiobooks
DVDs
Music CDs
Microfilm from the Archives of Ontario

What cannot be requested?

New material released less than a year ago (Please note: Even though a newer title may be available in other Ontario public library catalogues, we are unable to request through Interlibrary Loan.) For new material, please Suggest a Purchase.
Blu Rays or Video Games
Items available through Amazon.ca for less than $5.00
Book club sets
Microfilm/fiche

Unfortunately, not all requests can be filled. It is up to the libraries which own the requested item to determine if they will lend it.

How much does it cost?

Interlibrary Loans from other public libraries in Ontario are free of charge.
Items requested which are not picked up in five business days will be charged a $3 fee per item.
Lost or damaged items will be charged to your account as determined by the lending library.

How long will it take to receive my items?

As we rely on Canada Post to ship items throughout Ontario, a request can take three to five weeks to arrive. Some requests may take longer depending on the location of the lending library and the availability of the title.

How many items can I request?

Requests are limited to five active requests at a time. Once your items are returned, you are welcome to request more items.
(Local Book Clubs may also only request five items for their meeting.)

How can I request items for my Book Club?

Cardholders in good standing may borrow up to five copies of a book through interlibrary loan. The selected title must be at least two years old and must be ordered a minimum of five weeks before the desired pick-up date to allow for shipping and processing. The cardholder will be responsible for checking out and returning these titles on or before the due date. Materials that are not picked up within five business days will be charged a $3 fee per item.

How will I know when my Interlibrary Loan arrives?

You will be notified your item has arrived by email or telephone according to how you have opted to receive notifications through your Library account. Please confirm with Library staff that your contact information is correct when placing your Interlibrary Loan request.

How long do I have to pick up my arrived items?

You have five business days to pick up your items after they have arrived. If the items are not picked up, there will be a $3 fee added to your account for each item.

I know that an item I want is in another Library. Why can't I get it through Interlibrary Loan?

Many libraries will not lend certain types of materials such as DVDs or Music CDs. An item may also be a part of a non-circulating collection that is not allowed to leave the Library.