Request an Interlibrary Loan

If the PEI Public Library Service does not have a book you are looking for, we can help you search for it through our Interlibrary Loan Service. Interlibrary loans are books that we borrow from other library systems within the province or across Canada.

What is available to borrow through Interlibrary Loan?

• Books
• Journal Articles

What is NOT available to borrow through Interlibrary Loan? 

• New releases (books published within the last 2 years)
• Magazines
• Digital/multimedia titles (i.e. DVDs, Music CDs, eBooks, eAudiobooks, etc)
• Textbooks
• Microfilm and microfiche 

How do I request an item through Interlibrary Loan?

• In order to submit an interlibrary loan request, you must have a PEI Public Library card and you must be signed into your account on our online catalogue.
• You can access the interlibrary request form by clicking on the Send a Request link at the top of the online catalogue's home page.
• Make sure you select the Interlibrary Loan form under the Request Type drop down.
• Patrons may only have three requests active at a time. Please note that requests include both Purchase Suggestions and Interlibrary Loan requests. Each submission must be for a single title - i.e. do not include multiple requests on one form.

How will I know if my request has been accepted?

• The library will respond to interlibrary loan requests as soon as possible. It can take up to 7-14 days before a decision is made.
• Decisions on submitted interlibrary loan requests can be found under your account on our online catalogue. Click on My Account to sign into your account, and then click on the Requests tab to see the status of your request.

What happens after I submit my request?

• If the library is able to fill your interlibrary loan request, items can take up to 3-6 weeks to arrive depending upon where in Canada they are being mailed from.
• Interlibrary loans can be borrowed for 3 weeks and are not renewable.
• You can return Interlibrary loans to any of our 25 public libraries.