Who can request Interlibrary Loan items? You must be a York County resident & a YCPL library card holder to use the ILL service.

What can be requested? Print books and copies of articles.

What cannot be requested? New items (less than a year old) and audio/visual items cannot be ordered. Requested materials cannot be in the York County Public Library catalog, nor can it be in the catalog of a local public library (defined as the Poquoson, Hampton, or Newport News Public Libraries). Library cards to these libraries are available, free of charge, to Virginia residents.

How many items may be requested? 1 item per interlibrary loan form; Up to 5 items collectively (both active and processing).

How long does it take? At least a week or more. Sometimes it can take longer depending on the lending library's response time and how far the item has to travel. In some instances, no library will agree to lend an item.

**It is impossible to know how long it will take for an Interlibrary Loan item to arrive. Consider alternate sources if you need a book ASAP.

When can I re-request an item that I previously checked out? We recommend waiting at least two weeks before submitting a request for an item that you just returned. We cannot guarantee item availability.

1. Book wrapper: your ILL will have a book wrapper attached to it. Please do not remove the book wrapper. It contains important information on it for you: the due date, a special barcode, how to renew, and information about fines. In addition, if you return your ILL without the wrapper, your return may not be credited on your account.
2. Renewals: please email reference@yorkcounty.gov if you would like to renew your ILL. Please contact us at least one week BEFORE the due date. We need time to request the renewal and to hear back from the lender. We will not be able to request a renewal if your request is submitted less than seven days prior to the item's due date.
3. Returns: Please return your ILL to the Check-Out Desk at either the Tabb or Yorktown Library. Do NOT put your interlibrary loan item in the book-drop.
4. Fines: Overdue fines are charged for overdue ILL’s at $1.00 per day.
5. Recalls: The library that lent us your ILL has the right to recall your ILL at any time. If this happens, you will be notified by ILL staff and you will be asked to return the item within 3-5 days. You can work with the ILL staff to perhaps find another copy for you to borrow.
   In the event of a prolonged York County Public Library closure, your interlibrary loan will be recalled, and you will be emailed with instructions on how to return the item to one of our branches.
6. Unclaimed Holds, Damaged or Lost ILL’s:
   • Unclaimed Holds: Per ILL policy, patrons who fail to pick up their ILL request without notifying ILL staff, either by phone or email) will not be eligible for ILL borrowing for 2 months. Failure to pick up a second time will result in ineligibility for 6 months, and any subsequent instances will result in ineligibility for 12 months.
   • Damaged ILL’s: If it is apparent that your ILL has been damaged while checked out to you, we will contact the lender to determine a replacement cost and the charges will be added to your account.
   • Lost ILL’s: Email reference@yorkcounty.gov if you’ve lost your ILL and we will contact the lender to determine a replacement cost. You must pay the replacement cost and accompanying fees in full before you can use YCPL Interlibrary Loan services again.

Note: Patrons who repeatedly ignore Interlibrary Loan rules - for instance, remove the white band from the cover of ILL books, return ILL items in book drops, or return ILL items damaged-will not be eligible for ILL borrowing.