Interlibrary Loan

Can’t find what you’re looking for in our library?  If we do not own the material you want, it may be available from another location. We can request books and other materials from other libraries for you.

There are three ways to do it: fill out our online interlibrary loan request form; call the Reference Desk at 978-448-8000 for assistance, or come to the library to make your request in person.

Here’s what to do:

Check the Catalog to see if we have the title you want.
Check New Books to see if the title is on order.
If the Library doesn’t have it; call us or fill out an Interlibrary Loan Request Form.  You will need to know the author, title, and format (book, CD, DVD, etc.) of the item you wish to request.  You must have a Groton library card in good standing.

To help you locate information on the item you wish to request, you can search other library catalogs in our area:

Central/Western Massachusetts Automated Resource Sharing (CW/MARS) – including Ayer, Fitchburg, Harvard, Pepperell, Shirley, Townsend, Worcester
Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC) – including Chelmsford, Dunstable, Littleton, Lowell, Westford
Minuteman Library Network – including Acton, Concord
Boston Public Library – Main library and branches

How long will it take to get something from another library?
It usually takes 7-10 days but it may take longer if the item is in high demand or is not available locally.

How will I know when my item has arrived and where do I pick it up?
Library staff will call you or send you an email notice when the material has arrived. If you have not signed up to receive notices via email, stop by the Circulation Desk the next time you are in and give us your email address.  Your material can be picked up at the Circulation Desk.

How long can I keep an item from another library?
The loan period is set by the lending library and can vary from 1-3 weeks.  Materials borrowed from other libraries cannot be renewed and late fines will apply.  If an item is lost or damaged, replacement costs will be determined by the lending library.