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 two years old it may be a contender! Please Suggest a Purchase.
Please note: Without the delivery service previously supplied by the Southern Ontario Library Service, we now rely on Canada Post to ship items throughout Ontario. This makes it harder to obtain items from other libraries in Ontario as this change in delivery has created an unforeseen cost.

How can I request an item through Interlibrary Loan?

To request an item through Interlibrary Loan, please fill out this online request form. For inquiries please email us or call the Information Services Desk at 705-325-2556. (*We are not registering patrons for self-serve ILLO at this time).

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 can lend it to a member of another library system.

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.
Fines will be charged on overdue Interlibrary Loan materials in accordance with Orillia Public Library policies.
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?

Without the delivery service previously supplied by the Ontario Library Service, we will be relying 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 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.

Can I renew my items?

DVDs cannot be renewed. If you need additional time for other items, please contact us to renew your materials for an additional two weeks.

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.