What is an Interlibrary Loan?

Interlibrary Loan is a free service provided by Michigan eLibrary (MeL) that allows you to make online requests for items from participating libraries across the state of Michigan. Available items will be delivered to either FCL location for pickup. 

InterLibrary loan items may take 2-4 weeks from the time of your request until it is available for pickup due to shipping and processing time. 

If you have any questions, please contact the InterLibrary Loan Department: 

Search MeL

Requesting InterLibrary Loan Items 

Any FCL cardholder can place a request for an InterLibrary Loan item. To request an item: 

  • Search for the item and click “Get This for Me!” 

  • Login by selecting “Farmington Community Library” and enter your FCL card number. 

  • Choose the FCL location where you would like to pick up the item. 

  • Click “Submit.” 

Once the item has been received by FCL, it will be held for 10 days.  

If you have over $15 in lost or damaged item fees, there will be a hold on your FCL account and you will not be able to request items through InterLibrary Loan until the fees are paid. 

InterLibrary Loan Borrowing Periods 

The exact borrowing period for each item is set by the lending library. In general, these types of items have the following borrowing periods: 

  • Print Materials: 4 weeks, 1 renewal 

  • Audiobooks & Music: 2 weeks, no renewals 

  • Movies & TV Shows: 2 week, no renewals 

When you pick up the item from FCL you will be given the exact due date for each item based on the lending library’s requirements. 

Returning InterLibrary Loan Items 

Return your InterLibrary Loan items inside either Library location during open hours.