Interlibrary Loan

Can I borrow an item that is not owned by the Butte County Library?
Yes. We can try to borrow these items for you from other libraries in Northern California, or from around the country. This service is called Interlibrary Loan (ILL) and is available to Butte County Library patrons with current library cards. 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 videos except for non-fiction (documentary and instructional) videos from the NSCLS Video Center. You cannot request reference books, books published within the last calendar year, entire issues of periodicals, or mass market paperbacks.

Is there a charge for this service?
Only if the lending library charges us. We always try to request materials from libraries that don't charge fees. We borrow from a library that charges only if you authorize us to do so. Fees are due and payable when you pick up the materials.

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.

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.

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.