What is interlibrary loan?

If you would like an item that is not owned by Washington County Library, we can request it for you from other libraries through interlibrary loan (ILL).

How do I request an interlibrary loan?

Talk to a librarian by phone, in person, or Ask A Librarian to request an interlibrary loan. 

You can also request an interlibrary loan yourself using MNLINK. You will need your library card barcode and your PIN number to access interlibrary loan. This is the same PIN you use to access your Washington County Library account.

Learn more from MNLINK video tutorials.

What can be requested?

Books, audiobooks, music CDs, DVDs, and magazine articles are all available through ILL. It is also possible to get electronic versions of some books if a physical copy is not available. Full magazines, video games, and book club kits are not available from other libraries. You are limited to 10 ILL requests at any given time.

Washington County Library will not allow ILL requests on recently published items or those with future publication dates. Instead, fill out a suggest a title form. These requests will be sent to Collection Development staff for purchase consideration.

How long can I keep ILL materials?

Interlibrary loan materials are usually checked out for 3 weeks. Please note, the due date is set by the lending library, so it could be shorter than our normal ILL period.