Books & Audiobooks
Interlibrary Loans (ILLO)
If the library does not have a specific book or microfilm in its collection and you would like to borrow it, interlibrary loans can help. This service enables you to borrow books from other libraries across Canada and microfilm from Archives of Ontario. It is a great option for accessing older or less common materials that may not be readily available in libraries in Waterloo Region.
You should make an interlibrary loan request if:
- The item you are looking for was published more than 12 months ago.
- The item you are looking for is not available at Waterloo Public Library, Kitchener Public Library, Cambridge Public Library (formerly Idea Exchange) or the Region of Waterloo Library.
- You are looking for a book or microfilm (DVDs, CDs, audiobooks and language kits cannot be requested).
- You want access to hardcopy braille books from the NNELS Distributed Braille Collection
yellow paper postal envelopes. Top view.
Rows of new books on the shelves at the Eastside Branch
Purchase Suggestions
Waterloo Public Library strives to maintain a collection that interests our community with its diverse topics, genres and balanced perspectives. This service allows you to highlight missing titles in a series, gaps in a topic, or suggest recently published items for the library collection.
You can make a purchase suggestion if:
- You have identified that we are missing a book from a popular series.
- Our collection doesn’t have the information you’re looking for on a topic.
- You’d like to highlight a recently published bestseller. Please confirm the book is not already in our collection or on order, by searching our online catalogue, in advance of submitting a Purchase Suggestion.
FAQs
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How can I make an Interlibrary Loan request?
To make an Interlibrary Loan request, you can complete the request form above or:
- Visit us in person at any Waterloo Public Library location
- Call 519-886-1310 x124
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Can I borrow materials from university libraries using ILLO?
Books from university libraries are not available through our Interlibrary Loan service. Should you require materials from university libraries, you can obtain a library card directly from the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, or the University of Guelph libraries. For membership details, please contact these institutions directly.
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Are there restrictions on what items can be borrowed using ILLO?
The following items CANNOT be borrowed through an interlibrary loan:
- Items owned by Kitchener Public Library, Cambridge Public Library (formerly Idea Exchange) or the RW Library. Residents of the Region of Waterloo can obtain a free membership at these libraries and borrow from them directly.
- Audio-visual materials such as DVDs, CDs, vinyl and recorded books.
- Games or other specialty borrowing collections.
- Books published within the last 12 months. Instead, we recommend that you submit a Purchase Suggestion.
- Items from university libraries. Region of Waterloo residents can obtain a free library card at the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, and the University of Guelph libraries. Please contact these libraries directly for membership information.
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How long will it take to receive an Interlibrary Loan?
Waiting time varies from 2 to 6 weeks depending on the availability of the material at the lending library. Microfilm materials generally take longer.
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Is there a charge for an Interlibrary Loan?
No, there is no charge for doing an interlibrary loan. It is a free service.
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Where do I pick up my Interlibrary Loan?
Once you have been notified that your Interlibrary Loan is available, you may pick it up at the library location you have specified during the request process. Interlibrary loans must be checked out with a staff person, they cannot be checked out at self-check machines.
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Can I renew an Interlibrary Loan?
In many cases, a 2-week extension is available. You may do this in person, by phone (519) 886-1310 or online through your account.
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How will I know if you decide to purchase the item I suggested?
You will be notified by library staff about the status of your purchase suggestion. If the item is being purchased, it will be placed on hold for you so that you are able to get it as soon as it arrives.
Need a library card?
Getting a library card is your passport to a world of learning and discovery. With your card you can access a treasure trove of books, digital resources, exciting services and cool things to borrow.