Overview
The purpose of the Interlibrary Loan Policy is to outline what, and how, Halifax Public Libraries’ users can request to borrow from other library systems, as well as what other library systems can request to borrow from Halifax Public Libraries.
Eligibility
The Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Service is available to to anyone with a valid Halifax Public Libraries borrower’s card.
Borrowers with “no proof of address” cards are not eligible to use the ILL service.
Requests for films classified as 14A, 18A, or R (Restricted) cannot be placed on a Children's library card (0-13 years of age).
Requests for films classified as 18A or R (Restricted) cannot be placed on a Youth library card (14-17 years of age).
Requests from Halifax Public Libraries Borrowers
Borrowers may have a maximum of five (5) active requests at any one time. Active requests include ILL items currently checked out, ILL items on order, and ILL items requested.
The following materials are available through the ILL service:
- Books in regular or large print format
- Book club kits (from Nova Scotia libraries only)
- Archival materials on microform
- Articles from magazines and journals
- Audio books on CD
- Music CDs
- Feature and non‐fiction DVDs
- Playaway machines (from Nova Scotia libraries only)
The following materials are not available through the ILL service:
- Material published or released within the last twelve (12) months
- Material that is already owned by Halifax Public Libraries, including titles that are on order, or titles for which all copies are currently checked out/on hold
- Materials from libraries outside of Canada
- Magazines and journal issues
- e‐books and e-audiobooks
Use of Materials
Materials may be picked up at any branch of the Halifax Public Libraries. Some materials may only be available for use within the library.
Microform materials will be available only at the Alderney Gate and Halifax Central Libraries where microform readers are available. Microform materials are available for in‐house use only.
ILL materials do not qualify for special loan periods.
Once ILL material is processed and available at its pickup location, borrowers will have seven (7) days to pick it up.
Renewals of materials may be possible, depending on the lending library’s loan policies. Borrowers cannot renew ILL material themselves. The Interlibrary Loan team is responsible for asking the lending libraries to renew ILL material on behalf of borrowers.
Fines and Fees
Halifax Public Libraries does not charge for interlibrary loans. The libraries that lend us material may charge for interlibrary loans. The borrower is responsible for paying any charges assigned by the lending library.
Charges for ILL materials must be paid at the time of pickup.
Borrowers are responsible for all ILL materials borrowed on their library card. If materials are lost or damaged, the borrower is responsible for all repair or replacement costs in accordance with the policies of the lending library.
Borrowing through the interlibrary service may be suspended by the Home Services Lead or their supervisor. Reasons for suspending access may include:
- Not returning ILL material
- Not paying replacement costs or damage costs for ILL material
- Not paying to borrow ILL material or receive photocopies, if required by the lending library
Updated July 2026