Didn't find what you were looking for in our catalogue?
If you are interested in a book, audiobook, or microfilm that the St. Catharines Public Library does not own, we can request to borrow a copy from another library in Ontario on your behalf through our Interlibrary Loan Service.
- Before requesting an Interlibrary Loan, please check the St. Catharines Public Library's catalogue. If we have the title you are looking for, please place a request through our catalogue.
- For items published within the last year, please Suggest a Purchase as most libraries will not lend out new material through Interlibrary Loan.
How can I request an item through Interlibrary Loan?
There are two ways to request items through Interlibrary Loan.
- Call, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit in-person at any of our Library locations
- To manage your own interlibrary loans, sign up for a Self-Serve Interlibrary Loan account. You will receive an email from staff with your User ID and password.
Submitting Your Own Interlibrary Loan Requests
Self-serve interlibrary loan allows patrons to search and request items from other Ontario public library systems. Being registered for a self-serve account means you can have 3 active requests at a time and track your requests.
Self-Serve Interlibrary Loan Instructions
A more comprehensive guide can be found here or watch this instructional video.
What can I request?
The following can be requested through Interlibrary Loan:
- Print material (fiction and nonfiction) published more than one year ago
- Audiobooks (Books on CD)
- Microfilm from the Archives of Ontario
The following cannot be requested through Interlibrary Loan:
- New material released less than a year ago
- DVDs, Blu-rays or Video Games
- Music CDs
- Items in non-traditional formats
- Magazines
- Items in digital formats (e-books and e-audiobooks)
How much does it cost?
- Interlibrary Loans from other public libraries are free of charge.
- Lost or damaged items will be charged to your account as determined by the lending library.
Notification
We will notify you when:
- The item has arrived. You will receive an email notification or phone call.
- Additional information is needed regarding your request or to approve service charges if the item is requested from an academic institution.
