Interlibrary Loan Service

The Lexington Public Library encourages cardholders to use I.L.L. to request books and magazine articles we do not own. To see if the item is available at the Central Library or one of our branches please check our catalog or call the library nearest you. If LPL does not own the item, complete the online I.L.L. form. Once you have placed your request, you can check its status, ask for an extension of the loan period (renewal), and print articles we have obtained from other libraries for you.

Questions and Answers about Interlibrary Loan

Interlibrary Loan - What is it?

Interlibrary Loan allows libraries to share their circulating collections. The Lexington Public Library has direct electronic communication with over 4,100 participating libraries and document suppliers. We can obtain materials from any library in the United States willing to lend them.

What kind of items can I ask for?

Any book or magazine article that the Lexington Public Library does not already own. Microfilms can be requested but are often difficult to obtain. When placing a request, offer as much information about the item as possible. Full information will hasten the response. Please request no more than four items at a time.

What kind of items cannot be borrowed?

Items that the Lexington Public Library owns and are in our circulating collections, newly published books (within six months of publication date), textbooks, entire issues of magazines, videos (see exception below), cd's and cd-roms, books on tape, or other audio/visual material. If KDLA owns a video or DVD, we can borrow it, as long it will not be shown in a public school setting. Each LPL branch library has a copy of the KDLA catalogue. Please do not submit more than four i.l.l. requests at a time.

What about reference and genealogical materials?

Although we can request such materials, libraries are often unwilling to lend them. For example, the Lexington Public Library does not lend its own reference books or materials kept in the Kentucky Room. However, sometimes photocopies of specified pages can be obtained. Census images are now available on our Ancestry Plus database. Patrons can borrow census microfilm directly from the National Archives.

How much does it cost?

Usually there is no charge, but large academic libraries sometimes do charge fees. If you are willing to pay such fees, usually $15-25, please fill in the appropriate blank on the request form. This is your authorization for us to act as your agent in borrowing what you need from the lending library.

How long does it take?

It varies. Some items arrive within a week; others take several weeks. You will be notified by phone, letter or e-mail when the request arrives. If you don't pick up the item, you are still responsible for those charges which you previous agreed to in order to obtain the item. We will notify you if we are not able to obtain the item.

Where do I pick up the item?

At the library location you specified when making the request. If you specified the Central Library, the item will be kept at the Reference Desk. If you specified a branch, you can pick up the item at the circulation desk of that branch.

How long may I keep it?

The lending library determines the due date, usually two to three weeks. Please note that I.L.L. items do NOT check out for the same amount of time as those from our own collection. The due date will be noted on the label or book-strap attached to the book. The overdue fine for Interlibrary Loan books is $.10 per day.

Can I renew my Interlibrary Loan item?

Renewals can be requested via our online system or by calling 231 5520. The lending library determines whether an item can be renewed, and if so, for how long. While the renewal request is pending, you may keep the item and will not be charged for overdues, if you have contacted us on or before the original due date. You will be contacted when a renewal decision has been made.

When I enter my login information, nothing happens. How do I log in?

Unfortunately, our Interlibrary Loan software does not work with all browsers. If you’re having trouble logging in, please try using Microsoft Internet Explorer, for Windows or Mac.