:: Requesting materials from other libraries
If you can't find the materials you're looking for in our library catalog, you may be able to request the item from an outside library:
1 Click on the LINK+ icon in the catalog to search the LINK+ catalog. If the item is available, follow the steps below under Link+.
2 If the item is not available through a LINK+ library, you can request the item through Interlibrary Loan.
About Link+
- There is no charge for requesting an item through LINK+.
- Loan period: 21 days with one 14-day renewal.
- Late fee: $1.00 per day
- Replacement cost for a lost item: $115. We recommend that you return your Link+ books directly to the circulation desk and have staff clear the book from your account.
- Maximum transactions (requests + checkouts): 15 at one time
- Delivery can take as little as three days. You will be notified by mail or email when the book arrives at the Main Library.
- You can also visit member libraries such as UC Riverside and check out books directly from them with your RPL library card.
- Learn more about Link+ and see a list of member libraries.
- New Expanded Service! Now you can have your Link+ books delivered to any RPL branch.
To request a book:
- Search the library catalog. If an item is not held by RPL, click on the LINK+ button to search the LINK+ catalog. If the search is successful, click on "request this item."
- When asked: "With which institution are you affiliated?" choose Riverside Public Library.
- Enter your library account information:
First name, last name
Library card number
PIN - Choose a pickup location. Link+ items can now be delivered to your local RPL branch.
About Interlibrary Loan
An Interlibrary Loan (ILL) allows you to borrow materials that are not owned by the Riverside Public Library or available through Link+. This service is available to anyone with a valid city library card. Fine balances must be below $5 in order to use this service. Each ILL request includes a $2 nonrefundable fee.
Submitting an Interlibrary Loan Request
Filling out an ILL request form. Please include as much information as you can: author, title, publisher, etc. You can pick up a copy of the ILL form from any city library.
Types of Materials
Some materials are difficult to obtain because other libraries may not loan them. These include:
• Materials published within the last year
• Reference materials
• Newspapers in original format
• Rare materials
• DVDs, videos, music compact discs and, music cassettes and videos
Loan Period
All ILL materials are checked out for a 3-week period (21 days).
We do not renew ILL materials. No exceptions.
Please note: Some libraries charge an additional fee to cover shipping, lending, copying, etc. You can supply the maximum amount you are willing to pay towards these charges, should they exist. However, we will always attempt to fulfill your request through a "free lender" before moving on to an institution that charges.
Links to other library catalogs
The California Libraries Catalog lets you search hundreds of library holdings at one time. It is a unique database that shows the holdings of books, videos, audio, maps, and other materials held by libraries in California.