Interlibrary Loan Service

The Region of Waterloo Library offers Interlibrary Loan service according to the following guidelines:

• RWL patrons can have a maximum of 7 requests for items not in our catalogue active at one time
• RWL patrons who do not pick up their requested ILL items may lose ILL privileges
• Certain collection types will not be considered for ILL. We will neither send out, nor request, these items:
  • Easy readers
  • Board books
  • Magazines
  • Board games
  • Individual copies of books for book clubs
  • Oversized books
  • Mobile hotspots
  • Microfilm
  • Museums passes
  • Video game console kits
  • Items less than two years old

Patrons can a get a free library card from universities and colleges in the area: Waterloo, Laurier and Conestoga.

Reciprocal Borrowing allows patrons to have free library cards at all public libraries in Waterloo Region and at other neighbouring libraries. Patrons are encouraged to visit those locations to borrow material, when possible.

If RWL has access to a title in an alternate format (e.g. eBook, Large Print), we may decline to borrow that title through ILL in the requested format. We will remain sensitive to issues of accessibility, however, and will consider each request with care.

Requests may still be placed online, or by visiting, calling, or emailing any RWL branch.

Patrons who previously used our Self-serve Interlibrary loan option will now need to request items using one of the above-listed options.