Interlibrary Loan

Our library is connected to other libraries throughout the state. If you can't find an item in our library, ask the staff to help you!

If you can't find an item in our library, ask library staff to help you get it from another library. 

• The patron can make an Interlibrary loan request in person, over the phone, or through email.
• The library will contact the patron when the material comes in.
• The lending library determines the length of checkout time and which can vary from 2 weeks to a month. 
• The Ellsworth Public Library makes this service available to all patrons with an Ellsworth Library card free of charge.

This is a very valuable service provided by the State Library of Iowa that allows us to have access to almost any library materials available in the state. 

Interlibrary loan (ILL) is the cooperative arrangement among libraries that allows books and other materials from one library to be loaned out to a patron from another library.

STAFF NOTE: If the item you are requesting is newer in publication, the item might be difficult to receive. One option would be waiting 6+ months after the publication or release date. Please keep this in mind when requesting items.