Interlibrary Loans

Interlibrary loan, also referred to as ILL, is a service used to obtain library materials (books, articles, and audiovisual items) from other libraries when they are not owned at our library. Interlibrary Loan involves the borrowing and lending of materials among libraries. The service is provided by Library staff on behalf of patrons, following policies and procedures agreed upon by the cooperating libraries.

Every attempt is made to obtain requested materials. Items are borrowed from libraries in the North Suburban Library System first, and then other libraries in Illinois are searched. If necessary, the search may go out of state.

Requests can be made at the Reader Services Desk or Reference Desk. Delivery time varies depending on availability, so please plan ahead. Most items arrive in approximately ten working days, but others may take several weeks. You will be notified by phone or email when your materials arrive at the Library.

Sometimes there may be a fee required from the lending library. Patrons will be notified of the cost before the actual interlibrary loan request is completed.

Fines for interlibrary loan items are charged at the same rate as local materials.

Interlibrary loan items from all other libraries may not be renewed over the telephone or via the Internet. The renewal of these items requires that library staff contact the lending library to request an extension. Charges for lost or damaged Interlibrary loan materials are assessed by the owning library. A processing fee will also be charged by the owning library.

All materials that are circulated are available for interlibrary loan, with the exception of new materials, fiction DVD’s and videos, games and videogames.

If you have any questions concerning an existing Interlibrary loan, you can call the library at (847) 729-7500 during normal business hours or email the Interlibrary Loan Department.