Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

Are you interested in a book you can't find at Fresno County Public Library (FCPL)? Try requesting it through Interlibrary Loan (ILL)! ILL is a service that allows valid FCPL cardholders to request print books that are not in our collection from other libraries in the United States. These materials are borrowed from other library systems and can take several weeks for items to arrive. Please check our catalog to see if we own the items before submitting an ILL request.

Placing Requests

Requests may be made for any items not owned by FCPL with the following exceptions:

  • No more than 5 active ILL requests at a time.
  • Books published within the last 2 years. To suggest a new title for the library to purchase, please visit our Suggestion for Purchase page.
  • Audio/visual materials (videos, DVDs, CDs, books on CD, etc.)
  • Computer software
  • Print books already owned by FCPL (including Reference materials)

Loan Periods and Restrictions

  • Loan periods - The lending library determines the length of the loan period. The due date is stated on the book strap attached to the front of the book. Some lending libraries may restrict use of their materials to within one of our branches. These items will need to be used at the library only.
  • Renewals - Renewal decisions and due dates are made by the lending library. If you need more time, please contact the ILL department at least 3 days before the due date to request a renewal. Renewals are granted at the discretion of the lending library and are not guaranteed.
  • Charges - FCPL does not charge a fee for this service. However, additional charges may be required by the lending library. You can indicate and agree to a maximum charge on the request form. If there are no free lenders and you are not willing to pay a loan fee, your request will not be filled. Overdue fees apply. Please see Fines & Fees.
  • Check status - To check the status of your ILL request, renew, or cancel your items, contact the ILL department at (559) 600-READ (7323). Please have your library card ready. You will be notified by your preferred My Account holds notification when items are ready for pick up at your designated pickup location.
  • Pickup - You can specify your pickup location when you make your request. The item will be held at the front desk. Items requested through ILL will arrive with a white strap attached to the front cover. Please do not remove the white strap.
  • Returns - ILL materials should be returned in-person to Library personnel. Please do not return in the book drop. To ensure the correct handling of the material, do not remove the white book strap attached to the front of the book.
  • Suspension of privileges - Continued disregard of due dates, a history of mishandling ILL materials, or a pattern of neglecting to pick up requested materials may result in suspension of ILL privileges.
  • Lost or Damaged Interlibrary Loan Items - Please contact the Interlibrary Loan Office immediately at (559) 600-READ (7323) to report your lost/damaged ILL item. You will be billed for lost and damaged materials at replacement costs established by the lending library. A $65.00 fee will be added to your account. The fee will remain or be adjusted based on the lending library's charge for lost or damaged materials. Your ILL account will be suspended until the item is paid in full. We cannot accept replacement copies.

Interlibrary Loan is dependent upon the generosity and goodwill between libraries. Please be careful with their property and return it on time.