Interlibrary loan is a system of borrowing and lending of books between library systems across Canada.
Self serve Interlibrary Loan is currently unavailable. London Public Library is switching to different software for our Interlibrary Loan Service to make improvements to the service. Patrons can still submit their Interlibrary Loan requests over the phone or in person with staff and we will continue borrowing from other Ontario libraries.
We will update the website when the self serve option is available again - hopefully this will be in early 2025. Until that point staff are very happy to assist in submitting Interlibrary Loan requests.
What is an Interlibrary Loan (ILLO)?
Interlibrary loan is a system of borrowing and lending of books between library systems across Canada.
Eligibility
This service is available for people with a valid London Public Library card.
You cannot request:
- Items already available at London Public Library.
- Items published less than a year.
- Audio visual materials (CDs; DVDs; or cassettes).
- Electronic materials (e-books)
- Microforms. Please request through Microform Request Form.
Interlibrary Loan FAQs
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This varies depending on the availability of the requested item. Items can take 4-6 weeks to arrive.
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When the interlibrary loan has arrived a hold will be placed on your card and you will be notified the same way you receive notifications for London Public Library items. Your phone number and email address can be updated through the My Account option on the London Public Library website.
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If you are unable to pick up their materials within the hold period, you must contact the Pickup location at 519-661-4600 before your hold expires to request an extension. The item will be returned to the owning library the day after your hold expires.
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If the interlibrary loan has a green flasher/sleeve/band, you can renew the book the same way you renew other London Public Library items. Due dates are subject to loaning library’s policies.
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The costs of shipping and other library’s fees are not passed on to you.
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Loan periods vary in length depending on the loaning library, but ILLO materials can usually be borrowed for 3 weeks. Some interlibrary loan items must be used in the library.
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There is a limit of seven active ILLO requests at any one time. Your interlibrary loan items are included in your London Public Library limit.
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- Any material that London Public Library has even if it is reference, or signed out with many holds on it.
- Books that are published within the past 12 months.
- Reference material (directories, encyclopedias, etc.);
- electronic resources (e-books or e-magazines (including articles from e-magazines)
- Audio visual materials except National Film board items.
- Regular print items if we have the large print available.
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Telephone: 519-661-5100 Ext. 5112; Email: illo@lpl.ca