Books and other materials not owned by libraries within the Minuteman Network can often be obtained from libraries in other networks within Massachusetts and throughout the United States.

The Virtual Catalog is one means of finding materials for Interlibrary Loan requests, and is also available for patrons to search and order materials on their own. Renewals are not allowed on virtual catalog books. In most cases there is no charge for this service. Patrons should note that there is an overdue charge of $2.00 per day for any Virtual Catalog or Interlibrary loan item

Use Interlibrary Loan (see below) to request any items you can't get through the Minuteman Network or the Virtual Catalog.

Request an Interlibrary Loan:

• Fill out a Somerville Public Library Materials Request Form (obtained from the reference desk) and give it to the reference librarian at the reference desk OR
• Call the library at 617-623-5000 X 2955 OR
• Email requests using the form below.

How you will be notified:

• E-mail (if you've given us your email address) OR
• Telephone Message

Where you will pick up the item:

Depending on your preference, requested items will be held for you  upstairs at the Reference Desk at the Central Library or the circulation desks at the branches. Requested items will be held for you at the library until they are due. Interlibrary loan materials are charged out for varying periods, determined by the owning library. Renewals are sometimes possible. Contact the interlibrary loan department as soon as you know that you need a renewal by emailing somill@minlib.net or calling 617-623-5000. Loans must be returned to the library or its branches in Somerville.

Patrons may request magazine and journal articles through Interlibrary Loan as well using the Journal Article Request Form. Articles that are five pages and less are free.  After the first five pages there is a fee of 15 cents per page.

Please note that the length of time it takes for us to receive materials owned by libraries outside the Minuteman Network varies depending on their point of origin and availability.  For more information, please call the Interlibrary Loan Department at (617) 623-5000 or email somill@minlib.net.

Interlibrary Loan Forms

Email Requests:

Please copy and paste the appropriate form below into an email and email the completed form  to somill@minlib.net.