I can't find it!

Can’t find what you’re looking for at our library? Here are a couple of options to get the material you need.

Interlibrary Loan

If you have a Bloomington Public Library card, the library can borrow materials from other libraries on your behalf. You may now request Interlibrary Loans online! Please use the Interlibrary Loan form to begin your request. The Bloomington Public Library will borrow and loan books, magazine article photocopies, audio books on cassette or CD that are older than one year, music on CD older than one year, and VHS tapes. The library will also borrow microfilm on your request.
 
You may request Interlibrary Loan if you live inside Bloomington city limits, Old Town, Arrowsmith, Dale, Dawson, and Bloomington townships.
 
How long does it take?

Requested items usually arrive within three weeks after the request is submitted, although difficult to obtain items may take much longer. We may be able to get some items within a week.
 
How much does it cost?

The service is free, but some libraries charge a fee to loan their materials. If that’s the case, we will notify you before obtaining the item.
 
How long can I check out an Interlibrary Loan and where do I get it?

Interlibrary Loan items are checked out for 14 days, and may be renewed for an additional week. You may borrow up to five Interlibrary Loan items at a time. However, just as with regular library materials you are financially responsible for any damage or loss of Interlibrary Loan materials. You may pick up your item at the Check Out Desk.

Suggest a Purchase of an Item

The library attempts to purchase materials you will be interested in, but sometimes we miss something. If you would like to request the purchase of a new item, please fill out the form. If it fits our materials selection policy, we will get it and notify you as soon as the item is available.

Local Libraries

If you really need something fast here are links to Normal Public Library’s catalog, Illinois State University’s Catalog and Illinois Wesleyan’s catalog. Your Bloomington Public Library card can be used at Normal Public Library. As a resident of Bloomington you can receive a courtesy card to use at Illinois State University Library. You must show proof of address and there is a 24 hour waiting period before you can check items out.