If we do not have the book, video, audiobook, or magazine article that you want, we may be able to locate and borrow it from a member library or through a national library collection thank to our Interlibrary Loan or I.L.L service.

Who is eligible to use the ILL service?

Anyone with a valid Princeton Public Library card may request items through the ILL service. Because interlibrary loan requests are very labor intensive and may require the library to pay borrowing fees to lending libraries there is a limit of 5 active interlibrary loan requests per customer.

What materials may be borrowed though ILL?

We will try to borrow any kind of material that is held by another library. We are most successful in borrowing books and photocopies or scans of magazine articles. Libraries rarely loan whole copies of magazines to other libraries, but will sometimes loan reels of microfilm. We are less successful in borrowing videos, DVDs, CDs and audio tapes because many libraries restrict the use of these materials to their own customers.

Is there a cost?

There is no cost associated with the ILL service.

Overdue Fees: Perth Amboy's overdue fees of $0.10 per day for books and $2.00 per day for videos and DVDs apply to any ILL item kept out beyond the item's due date.

How do I request an item through ILL?

Items may be requested online, by phone, by email, or in person as follows:

• Online through the the online catalog using their library card number and PIN. If a book is not available in our catalog, patrons can also put in requests through JerseyCat. Detailed instructions on this process are provided here.
• Request an item in person at the Circulation desks, at both Children's and Adult's.
• Call the Library at 732-826-2600
• Using the book request form. Include as much information about the item as you know. Also include your name, phone number, e-mail address, and library card number.

How long will it take to receive the item?

Turnaround time can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors including the availability of any specific item, the distance of the lending library, etc. The average turnaround time is between two and three weeks

How long may I keep the item?

Unless the loaning library indicates otherwise, the loan period for books, audiobooks and CDs is 28 days . The loan period for DVDs is one week. You will be notified if the loaning library has placed any restrictions on the lending period.

May I renew the item?

Unfortunately we are unable to offer renewals on items obtained from other libraries through ILL.