Can I borrow an item that is not owned by the Butte County Library?
Yes, there are three options for fulfilling your request. We can try to borrow these items for you from other libraries in Northern California.  We are also piloting a new project funded by LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) called "ZIP" which allows the Library to either purchase the item you request through a used book site for you to check out or, if available as an e-book, we can download the item to a Library Kindle for you to check out. This service is called Interlibrary Loan (ILL) and is available to Butte County Library patrons with current library cards.

Each library patron is entitled to place requests for 12 items per year free of charge including items acquired through the "ZIP" pilot project.  Subsequent requests will be processed for a non-refundable fee of $28 per requested item.  Please limit requests to four (4) per day.

How do I make a request?
You can request items by telephone or in person at any Butte County Library branch. You can also submit your request online through CalCat, the California Libraries Catalog, by searching for the title you want, then clicking the “Borrow this item from another library” link.

- To access CalCat in the Library, click here
- To access CalCat from home, work or school, click here

If you have not used CalCat and think you may request again, registering will speed up the process for you. 

        - Click on My Account.
        - Click on New User Registration. 
        - Fill in your information. 
        - Click on Register.

Return to the search screen by clicking on the Searching tab.
When you have found the title you are looking for, click on the title.
To request the book, click on Borrow this item from another library.
Your account information will appear. Select Branch and Pick-up location.
Click on Submit.

What kind of items can be requested through Interlibrary Loan?
You may request books, photocopies of periodicals, and census microfilm. You cannot request reference books, books published within the last calendar year, entire issues of periodicals, or mass market paperbacks. Videos are available from the North State Video Center, housed at the Orland Public Library, and the catalog can be searched online. Click "Search Movies and Videos" to find items in the collection. Once you have found an item you would like to request, contact your branch library for a Videocassette/DVD Request Form.

Is there a charge for this service?
The first 12 requests placed per year are free including up to $50 in materials purchased through the "ZIP" project (limits are $10 per purchase for print items and $25 per purchase for e-books); subsequent requests will be placed for a fee of $28 per item.  Fees are due at the time the request is placed and are non refundable even if the requested item becomes unavailable.

How long will it take to receive my request?
Please allow a minimum of three weeks. It may not take that long but faster service cannot be guaranteed. We need to find a library that owns the item, is willing to lend it, and where it is not checked out to another borrower.  Items borrowed through the "ZIP" project are likely to be available sooner.

What happens if my request cannot be filled?
Every effort will be made to fill each request placed; however, circumstances change and occasionally items become unexpectedly unavailable.  In this instance, the request placed will still be deducted from the 12 free allowed per year.  Any associated fees that have been paid are non refundable.

How do I get my material?
We will notify you by phone when your request has arrived. You will have a limited period of time to pick up your items at the library.

How long can I keep an Interlibrary Loan item?
The lending library determines the length of the loan. You will not be able to renew it, and it is important that the items are returned on time. Otherwise, we may lose borrowing privileges from the lending library. "ZIP" print and e-book items will check out for 3 weeks and are renewable, depending on availability.

Colored Book Bands:
Items from libraries outside the Butte County Library system wear an identifying paper band. The band helps us both - you and the Library - to keep track of these special items. To ensure safe return of the material, please do not remove the band.