Interlibrary Loan
We share materials and resources with library systems across the U.S. and internationally. If there is an item that you want that is not in our collection, please tell us. We will help you request an Interlibrary Loan (ILL).
Due to reduced services at many libraries during the COVID-19 pandemic, Interlibrary Loan requests are temporarily limited to one item per patron per week. Requests may take longer than usual to be filled, or may not be able to be filled.
We are unable to request materials for in-Library use (microfilm, microfiche, rare books and reference books) while Library buildings remain closed.
We appreciate your patience while this service is limited, and we have temporarily waived the $5 fee. Response times from libraries may vary. To check the status of a request, email ill@spl.org or call 206-386-4636 to leave a message for ILL staff with your library card number and the item title.
Request an Interlibrary Loan
If you have a Seattle Public Library card and would like to borrow an item from another library system, you can make a request by submitting the form below. Due to the popularity of recently published materials, requests for items published in the last 12 months will not be considered for Interlibrary Loan.
There are some items that we cannot get through an Interlibrary Loan
We cannot request an ILL for:
- Items we already own and are available at the Library
- Items published in the last 12 months
- DVDs
- Videos
- Music CDs
- E-books and other digital media
If you would like an item that we cannot get through an ILL, please Ask Us. We may be able to help you find it in other ways.
Copy or Scan Request
If you would like to request a photocopy or scan of Library materials, please use our copy or scan request form.