Can't find it at our libraries? You can use our interlibrary loan service to try to borrow the title from a different library system.

Requests can be made through our online catalog. Simply search for the item you want, then select the Use Interlibrary Loan button to start the process.

If you cannot find the title you need using the catalog, you can submit a request using our Interlibrary Loan form.

There is no fee for requesting an interlibrary loan. Some lending libraries charge fees. We will contact you before fulfilling the request if the lending library charges fees.

• Limits and Loan Period

  You may have up to five active interlibrary loan requests.

  Loan periods are determined by the lending library so they will vary.

  Interlibrary loan requests cannot be renewed. If you need more time, ask staff about requesting a second copy of the title.

• Items Obtained Through Interlibrary Loan

  Use interlibrary loan to request titles not owned by Wichita Public Library. We will also honor requests for titles we own that are lost, missing, or overdue by more than 2 weeks.

  You can use the Library's online catalog to search for and request most items.

  The best way to request a newspaper or magazine article, microfilm, or a specific volume of a multi-part or multi-year publication is to complete an Interlibrary Loan form.

  It is not possible to borrow electronic resources such as e-books through interlibrary loan.

  Interlibrary loan is excellent for:

  • Articles and books from academic or specialty publishers
  • Older titles and formats, such as VHS or audio cassettes
  • Recent or popular titles not on current bestseller lists
  • Documentary films

  More competition exists for the following and it becomes more difficult to obtain:

  • Television shows
  • All forms of popular music
  • Movies on Blu-ray
  • Books on CD or Playaways
  • New releases in movies, music and books
  • Current bestsellers

• Picking Up Your Items

  Most requests are filled in 2-4 weeks, depending on whether the item is immediately available from the lending library. You will be notified as soon as the item arrives or if we are unable to locate a lending library. Your loan time will begin as soon as we send notification that the item is ready for pickup.

• If You Can't Pick Up an Item

  If you no longer need an item or are unable to pick it up, contact Library staff at (316) 261-8500 to cancel the interlibrary loan request. When a request is not picked up or cancelled by the end of the reserve period, a $1 unclaimed fee is charged to your account.

• Overdue, Lost, or Damaged Items

  We do not charge daily overdue fines, but it is important to return interlibrary loan materials to us in a timely manner. If these materials are returned late, that may impact our ability to borrow from other libraries.

  Contact Library staff if your interlibrary loan item is lost or damaged. The lending library will provide the replacement cost for the item. All lost or damaged interlibrary loan orders are assessed an additional $25 processing fee.