Interlibrary Loan Material Request Policy | La Crosse Public Library

Let’s Learn La Crosse Public Library’s interlibrary loan policy. Submit requests for library materials outside of our collection with your card.
What Is Interlibrary Loan (ILL)?
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a free service that lets La Crosse Public Library cardholders borrow materials from libraries across the country. Through partnerships with networks like WorldCat and Wiscat, we locate and deliver books, audiobooks, DVDs, articles, microfilm, and more to our library for you to pick up.

Who Can Use ILL?
- Eligible users: Anyone with a valid library card can access our online resources. La Crosse Public Library card in good standing (no overdue items or fines).
- Not eligible: Temporary cardholders or those with restricted accounts.
- Not a cardholder yet? Sign up for a free library card at any of our branches in La Crosse, Bangor, Campbell, Holmen, or Onalaska.
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What Can You Borrow?
You can request a wide variety of library materials, including:
- Books (including textbooks, if available)
- Audiobooks
- DVDs
- Journal articles
- Microfilm
- Other resources (availability varies) may include access to wrls library collections.
Note: Please address any questions to our staff.: Some materials, like new releases or rare items, may not be available through ILL due to lending library policies.
How to Request Materials
Follow these simple steps to borrow materials through ILL:
- Check our catalog first to see what online resources we have available.: Search the La Crosse Public Library catalog at [insert library website URL] to confirm the item isn’t available locally. If it’s checked out or not in our collection, proceed with an ILL request.
- Submit your request:
- Log in to your library account and use WorldCat or Wiscat to find and request the item.
- Prefer in-person help? Visit the Reference Desk at any La Crosse County Library branch or call us at (608) 789-7100.
- You can also email us at ill@lacrosselibrary.org for assistance.
- Wait for confirmation: We’ll notify you when your item arrives (typically within 1–2 weeks) or if we’re unable to request the material.
- Pick up your item: Visit the library to check out your requested materials. You’ll receive a due date based on the lending library’s policy, which may allow you to renew an item if necessary.

Costs and Loan Periods
- Cost: ILL is usually free, but some lending libraries may charge a fee. We’ll inform you of any charges before processing your request.
- Request limits: You can have up to five active ILL requests at a time.
- Loan periods may allow you to renew an item if needed.: Typically 2–4 weeks, determined by the lending library. Renewals may be possible, depending on their policies.
- Responsibility: Patrons are responsible for returning items on time. Late returns, damage, or loss may result in fines or suspension of ILL privileges.
Returning ILL Materials
- Return all materials to La Crosse Public Library by the due date.
- Avoid overdue items to retain your ILL privileges and prevent financial penalties from the lending library, as this may affect library card holders.

Tips for a Smooth ILL Experience
- Plan ahead: Some materials, especially rare items or textbooks, may take longer to obtain or may not be available.
- Check availability on our page for the latest updates.: Not all libraries lend every item, so availability isn’t guaranteed.
- Need help? Our friendly staff is here to guide you. Contact us at (608) 789-7100, email ill@lacrosselibrary.org, or stop by the Reference Desk.
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Why Use Interlibrary Loan?
ILL expands your access to knowledge, letting you explore a broader selection of resources without leaving La Crosse. Whether you’re a student needing a specific journal, a researcher diving into local history, or a reader craving a rare book, ILL connects you to materials from libraries nationwide.
Get Started Today
Ready to explore beyond our shelves? Log in to your library account, search WorldCat or Wiscat, or contact our staff for assistance. Visit any La Crosse County Library branch or reach out online at their official website . Your next great read or research resource is just a request away!
For questions or support, call (608) 789-7100, email ill@lacrosselibrary.org, or visit us in person. Let’s ensure you get the materials you need, when you need them!
Interlibrary Loan FAQs at La Crosse Public Library
What if I don’t have a library card?
Sign up for a free La Crosse Public Library card at any of our branches or online at [ill@lacrosselibrary.org]. It’s quick and easy!
Can I renew an ILL item?
Renewals depend on the lending library’s policy. Contact us at least a week before the due date to check if a renewal is possible.
What happens if I lose or damage an item?
You’re responsible for any fees charged by the lending library for lost or damaged materials. We’ll notify you of any costs.
How long does it take to receive an item?
Most items arrive within 1–2 weeks, but rare or high-demand materials may take up to 30 days. We’ll keep you updated on your request’s status.
Can employees or students on campus use ILL?
Yes! As long as you have a valid La Crosse Public Library card, you can use ILL to support your studies or work, and library card holders can also access online resources.
Expand your horizons with Interlibrary Loan at La Crosse Public Library. From Wisconsin to nationwide, we’re here to help you access the resources you need. Contact us today and start exploring!
How does an Interlibrary Loan (ILL) work?
Search the La Crosse Public Library catalog. If the item isn’t available, log in to your library account and request it via WorldCat or Wiscat. We’ll borrow it from another library, notify you when it arrives (usually 1–2 weeks), and you pick it up at our library.
What is the rule of 5 in Interlibrary Loan?
You can have up to five active ILL requests at a time to ensure fair access for all patrons.
Is Interlibrary Loan expensive?
ILL is typically free, but some lending libraries may charge a fee. We’ll inform you of any costs before processing your request.
Can you get eBooks through an Interlibrary Loan?
eBooks are rarely available through ILL due to licensing restrictions. Contact us at (608) 789-7100 to check availability or explore our digital collection of online resources.
Interlibrary Loan (ILL): What if an item isn’t available at Murphy or another UW System school?
If the item isn’t at Murphy Library or other UW System schools, we’ll search libraries nationwide through WorldCat to locate and borrow it for you.
UW Resource Sharing: What if an item isn’t available at Murphy Library?
Through UW Resource Sharing, we’ll request the item from other libraries in Wisconsin or beyond. Submit your request online or call (608) 789-7100 for assistance.
When will my item arrive?
Most ILL items arrive within 1–2 weeks. Rare or high-demand materials may take up to 30 days. We’ll notify you when it’s ready for pickup.
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