Interlibrary Loan
Access materials beyond our collection.
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) allows you to borrow books and other materials from libraries outside of our system. It’s a great way to access titles that are not currently available in our collection. This service is available to library cardholders 18+ with accounts in good standing (not expired, no outstanding fines/fees).
What Can I Request?
- Books, audio/visual materials (DVDs, VHS, Music CDs, audiocassettes, audio book CDs) not owned by the Chester County Library System catalog
- Newspapers on microfilm
- Theses and dissertations
- Photocopies of articles from periodicals not owned by the Chester County Library System. Photocopies must be in compliance with the US copyright regulations (Title 17 of the USC).
- Books with an older publication date (50 years or more) can be requested, but may be restricted to in-library use only.
- We make every attempt to locate a reprint if possible. Any limitations placed by the lending institution are non-negotiable.
Availability depends on lending libraries.
What to Know
- Loan periods may vary and are determined by the lending institution. Generally, loan periods are two – four weeks from the time the library receives the item.
- Renewals may be limited or unavailable, and are at the discretion of the lending library. Renewal requests must be made 3-4 days prior to the due date by contacting ILL staff at the library where you picked up the material.
- Some materials may not be eligible.
- Fees may apply depending on the lending library.
- Overdue ILL items incur a fine of $.25 per day.
If you have any questions about an Interlibrary Loan, please contact the Chester County Library’s Interlibrary Loan office at 610-344-4710.
How It Works
- Submit a request using the general Interlibrary Loan form or the Article Loan Form to request a magazine or newspaper article.
- Library staff locate a lending library.
- The item is shipped to the pickup library selected on the form.
- You’ll be notified by email or mail when it’s ready for pickup. Please check your patron record for communication preferences.
This process may take up to 8 weeks.