Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

Looking for something we don’t own?
We can help you borrow it from another library!

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a free service provided by the Waco-McLennan County Library that allows cardholders to request books, audiobooks, DVDs, and other materials from partner libraries across Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri.

Whether you’re tracking down a hard-to-find title, doing research, or just looking for your next great read — ILL expands your access beyond our shelves.

Please note: Interlibrary Loan items can take up to 6 weeks to arrive.

How It Works

  1. Check our catalog first.
    Make sure we don’t already own the item you want.
  2. Submit an ILL Request Form.
    Fill out the Interlibrary Loan Request Form. Our staff will search other library systems in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri to locate a copy.
  3. Pay postage and pick up your item.
    You’ll be notified when your item arrives—then you can check it out just like a regular library item.

What You Can Request

  • Books (including large print)
  • Audiobooks or CDs
  • DVDs
  • Magazine or journal articles (digital or photocopy)

Not available through ILL:

  • E-books or digital audiobooks
  • Entire reference works
  • New releases (usually less than 6 months old)

Fees & Limits

  • $5 postage/processing fee per request (charged once the item ships)
  • Up to 5 active requests or checkouts at one time
  • Loan period: Set by the lending library (typically 2–3 weeks)
  • Renewals: May be possible, depending on the lending library’s policy

Eligibility

Interlibrary Loan is available to Waco-McLennan County Library cardholders in good standing.
If your account has overdue items or unpaid fines, please clear those before submitting a request.

Pick-Up & Return

  • You’ll receive a call or email when your item is ready.
  • Pick it up at the branch you selected on your form.
  • Return all ILL items to any Waco-McLennan County Library location (please avoid the book drop, if possible).

Questions?

Call: (254) 750-5944
In person: Central Library, 1717 Austin Avenue

You can also review our Interlibrary Loan Policy (PDF) for complete details.

Quick Tips

  • Request early — some items take several weeks to arrive.
  • Provide as much information as possible on your form.
  • Be flexible about formats or editions to increase your chances.
  • Always return items on time to keep the service running smoothly for everyone.
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