Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a service that allows Gail Borden Public Library customers to borrow materials from other libraries through their own library.

To request items not owned by the Gail Borden Public Library:

  • Fill out a Materials Request Form or ask for assistance at any service desk.
  • Submit forms in person, online, or via phone to the Information Desk, 847-429-4680.
  • The library may purchase the item for the collection or borrow through Interlibrary Loan.

When Does GBPL Interlibrary Loan Materials?

  •  The library may request materials through ILL when we do not own the items, GBPL's copies are missing, or extra copies are needed for a book discussion group.

Who May Borrow Through Interlibrary Loan?

  • Customers must be GBPL district residents or fee card holders, with GBPL library cards, to request materials.

What kinds of items can be requested?

  • GBPL currently borrows books and audio-visual (AV) materials.
  • AV materials may be borrowed only from other Illinois libraries.

How many items can be requested, and how long will it take to get them?

  • Each customer may have five outstanding ILL requests at a time. Requests are considered outstanding if items are on order.
  • Obtaining items may take approximately a week to a month.
  • Occasionally, a lending library will charge to loan an item. In that case, the customer will first be notified and must agree to pay the borrowing fee before the request proceeds.

How is a customer notified when an ILL arrives?

  • A customer will be notified by phone, email or text, depending on the method chosen when registering for a library card. Customer contact information must be accurate for the ILL request to proceed. New information should be submitted to staff at the Check Out Desk or online.
  • If GBPL is unable to borrow an item, the customer will be notified.

Where Do I Pick Up my Materials?

  • Pick up ILL items at the Main Library (Inside or via Drive-thru); Rakow Branch (Inside or via Drive-thru); South Elgin Branch or at a Bookmobile stop.

How long can an ILL item be kept?

  • The loan period is determined by the lending library. A one-week
    extension of the due date will be granted if the customer requests it on or before the due date.
  • For a one week extension, you must contact the Check Out Desk
    at (847)429-4690.
  • For extensions beyond one week, contact ILL staff at (847)429-4682.
  • Customers must always request due date extensions or renewals
    from GBPL, not from the libraries that sent GBPL the items.

Where are ILL items returned? Can they be returned directly to the libraries that loaned them to GBPL?

  • Return ILL materials to the GBPL check-out desk, in the library bookdrops, or remote bookdrops.
  • ILL materials should not be returned to the libraries that loaned them to GBPL.

What is reciprocal borrowing and how is it different from ILL?

  • When a GBPL card holder goes to another library and uses his or her GBPL card to check out books, this is called reciprocal borrowing. As a courtesy, you may return those books to us. Allow sufficient time for items to be returned to the other library before they are due.

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