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 place a request, except for those who have purchased a non-resident one-month membership.
Please note: The Interlibrary Loan system has gone through some changes. Items are no longer delivered through a service previously supplied by the Southern Ontario Library Service so we rely on Canada Post to ship items throughout Ontario. Some libraries will no longer lend certain types of materials or limit items as this change in delivery has created an unforeseen cost for all libraries. Finding your requests may take longer and we may not always be able to find a lending library.

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.

How can I request an item through Interlibrary Loan?

To request an item through Interlibrary Loan, please email us or call the Information Services Desk at 705-325-2556.

If you wish to search the Interlibrary Loan system and place requests yourself, please email us to set up an account or call the Information Services Desk at 705-325-2556.

Once you have an account, visit the INFO website and login. View our handy guide.

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 (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?

Due to a new service delivery model, we are limiting requests to five active requests at a time. Once your items are returned, you are welcome to request more items.

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.