Interlibrary Loans
If we don’t have the item you are looking for, we may still be able to get it for you through interlibrary loan (ILL)!
The Access Pennsylvania Catalog and ILL (Interlibrary Loan) System is a coordinated resource-sharing program. Through this program, libraries throughout Pennsylvania share books, eBooks, periodicals, and DVDs, so that you can have access to library's collections all over Pennsylvania.
Since April 2002, more than 1.9 million items have been loaned to readers all over Pennsylvania.
If you can't find the book or movie you want within your county's libraries, search here! Another Pennsylvania library may have just what you want.
Once you have found the exact item(s) you want in the Catalog, you can make your request by filling out the paper form here, and bringing the form to the library. Or, you can fill out the online form below. Brand new items CANNOT be ordered through out of county loans. Ask us at the front desk when the item you’re interested in will be available.
What are ILL's?
ILLs are books loaned between library systems. If a library system such as BCFLS does not have an item available, they can request the item from any library system in the state. This is why if you receive an ILL item it may be from the Carnegie Library System or from the Philadelphia Library.
Where are the ILLs coming from? When will my item arrive?
ILL requests can be filled from anywhere in the state. Because of this items will be sent to MAPL through USPS, which may take a while.
In-County Requests:
Most in-county items arrive within one to two days, excluding weekends and holidays. We will call you as soon as your item is ready, and you’ll have three days to pick it up. All in-county holds are kept at the circulation desk, and our standard renewal and late fee policies apply. Items may be returned at the front desk, through the drop box, or at any BCFLS library.
Out-of-County (Interlibrary Loan) Requests:
Patrons may request up to three items through interlibrary loan. These items typically take about two weeks to arrive. You will receive a call when your item is ready, and it will be held at the front desk for three days. Please note that interlibrary loan items cannot be renewed, and the late fee is $1 per day. Returning items late can jeopardize future borrowing privileges. All interlibrary loan materials must be returned directly to the front desk. While donations are not required for this service, they are always appreciated.
There are no copies of the item I want anywhere! What can I do?
Fill out a book request form! When ECPL receives a book request form we will purchase the item to add to our collection