Interlibrary Loan Service at Jersey City Free Public Library

The Jersey City Free Public Library is pleased to offer our valued patrons the opportunity to access a wider range of materials through our Interlibrary Loan Service. This service is a testament to our commitment to providing comprehensive access to information and resources.

What is the Interlibrary Loan Service (ILL)?

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a service that allows library patrons to borrow books, audiovisual materials, and other library resources that are not available in our collection but can be found in other libraries. Similarly, it permits other institutions to request items from our collection for their patrons. This collaborative effort significantly expands the range of materials accessible to our community.

Eligibility and Restrictions

To take advantage of our Interlibrary Loan Service, please note the following requirements and restrictions:

• Library Card Requirement: Patrons must have an active Jersey City Free Public Library card. Cards that are expired cannot be used to request items through ILL.
• Patrons making a request for interlibrary loan books must have had a library card for 6 months in good standing, no overdue materials, no late fees and library must have current information on file.
• Patrons will be called no more than 2 times by phone or email. If patron does not respond to email/phone call, or pick up materials, books will be returned to loaning library. Books/materials cannot be renewed.
• Exclusions: We are unable to request the following types of materials:
  • Textbooks
  • Children’s Books
  • New Fiction

How to Request an Item

If you are interested in requesting an item through the Interlibrary Loan Service, please follow these steps:

1. Verify that the item is not available in our collection.
2. Visit the lending department at Priscilla Gardner Main Library, or use our online ILL request form to submit a request.
3. Provide the title, author, and any other relevant information about the item you wish to borrow.
4. Our staff will assist you in completing the request and inform you about the estimated arrival time and pick-up procedures.

Our Interlibrary Loan Service is part of our ongoing effort to provide patrons with comprehensive access to a wide array of information and resources. We encourage you to take advantage of this service and explore the wealth of materials available through our network of participating libraries.

For any questions or assistance with the Interlibrary Loan Service, please contact the Lending Department at lending1@jclibrary.org.

Thank you for being a part of the Jersey City Free Public Library community. We are here to support your quest for knowledge and information.