Service Update: Due to the tentative strike activity for Canada Post as of Friday, May 23 at 12:00 a.m. local time, Interlibrary Loan Services are paused at this time. 

Library Services
Interlibrary Loans

Request an Interlibrary Loan

Having trouble finding an item in our catalogue? Richmond Hill Public Library partners with libraries across Ontario, allowing members to request access to books, audiobooks and other materials that are not available through our library system. 

To request an Interlibrary Loan item, you must have a membership with us in good standing. Be sure to search our catalogue for the item you’re looking for first. If you can’t find it, visit the Interlibrary Loan Search webpage (also known as D2D) to search for what you’re looking for. 

If you need assistance or more information on how to create your ILL request, please contact us. Our team will help you connect with our network of libraries across the province to help you find the item you’re looking for. You can also download an overview of how to use the OLS D2D platform. 

Item Requests

What Can Be Requested Through Interlibrary Loan?

  • Books and audiobooks published more than one year ago

  • Non-fiction DVDs (i.e. documentaries, educational films, and concert performances)

  • Microfilms/microfiche, government documents

  • Language kits
     

What Cannot Be Requested Through Interlibrary Loan?

  • Oversized items

  • Movies and TV series 

  • Music CDs

  • Video games

  • eBooks

  • Reference materials like encyclopedias, atlases, and items that are for in-library use only

Terms of Use

  • You may have up to five active ILL requests at a time.  

  • ILL items typically take between three and eight weeks to arrive, but this may vary depending on the availability of the requested item. 

  • You will receive a notification once your item has arrived at your chosen branch. You can then pick it up and check it out at the Service Desk. 

  • ILL items that are not picked up prior to the hold expiring will be charged a $5.00 service fee. 

  • You will be able to request a renewal for your item yourself in D2D. If the item’s due date has not been reached, a “Renew” button will appear next to the title in “My Account.” When clicked, the Lending Library will receive the renewal request and either approve or decline it. If it is after your item’s due date, please contact us at illorh@rhpl.ca or leave a voicemail at 905-780-5055. Please note that renewals are dependent on the needs of the Lending Library and are not guaranteed. 

  • While RHPL no longer charges fines for overdue items, if the Lending Library who provides an ILL item charges fines and a customer returns the item late, they will be charged a late fine for that item. 

  • You are responsible for the full replacement cost of lost or damaged items, as assessed by the Lending Library.