Interlibrary Loan (ILL) FAQs

  • General Questions

    Our Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service provides access to materials that are not in our collection by requesting them from other library systems.

    Make an Interlibrary Loan request using our online form, opens a new window. If you are unable to use the online form, the staff at any of our branches can get a paper version for you to fill out.

    Patrons who have a valid standard or limited Tacoma Public Library card with fines below $100 may request items through Interlibrary Loan. Patrons living in another library’s service area who hold a Tacoma Public Library card through a reciprocal agreement must request ILL items through their home library system.

    Interlibrary Loan is a free service from Tacoma Public Library. Please note patrons will be responsible for any costs charged by the lending library, such as borrowing and damaged/lost fees.

    You can request up to 3 items per month within the following item types:

    • Books (older than 12 months)
    • Audiobook CD (older than 12 months)
    • Music CD (older than 12 months)
    • Sheet Music
    • Articles

    We do not process any requests for titles published within the last 12 months, DVDs, eBooks, eAudiobooks, CD-ROMs, or Software. 

    You may request the same title only once per calendar year.

    Patrons will be notified by email or telephone when their items are available.

    Materials may be picked up from and returned to any Tacoma Public Library location except the Eastside Community Center.

    Please return ILL items via the inside book drops at one of our branches or give them to a staff member at the checkout desk.

    If you have any questions regarding your ILL requests or materials, email us at ill@tacomalibrary.org.