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Frequently Asked Questions


When is the library open?

Hours:
Mon–Thu · 10am–8pm
Fri–Sat · 10am–6pm
Sun · 11am–5pm (Main Library only)


Is The City Library closed on holidays?

All City Libraries observes the following annual holidays:

New Year's Day *
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Presidents' Day
Easter
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Pioneer Day
Labor Day
Staff Training Day (Veteran's Day) *
Thanksgiving Eve (close at 6pm)
Thanksgiving Day
Day after Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve **
Christmas Day ***
New Year's Eve (close at 6pm)

* In 2023, Staff Training Day will take place on Monday, November 13.
** When Christmas Eve falls on a Saturday, the Library will close at 1pm.
*** When a holidays falls on a Sunday, the Library will be closed on Sunday and Monday. This exception does not apply to Easter.


How can I give The City Library feedback?

The City Library only gets better through the feedback we receive from the people who use our services. Please let us know your thoughts by filling out our Online Contact Form.


How do I suggest an item for purchase?

Are you looking for a book, CD, DVD, or other item that The City Library doesn't own? The City Library accepts suggestions for items that have already been released and are not found in the library catalog.

Click Here to fill out and submit the "Suggest an Item for Purchase" form.


How do I get a library card?

All residents of Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County can sign up for a City Library Card free of charge. To get a Library Card, bring the following to any City Library location:

Evidence of Identity, such as:

  • a Photo ID issued by a unit of government, organization, school, or employer; or
  • a Non-Photo ID issued by a unit of government. Examples include a birth certificate, Social Security card, Native Tribal ID, Medicaid/Medicare card, IRC Face Sheet

Evidence of Salt Lake City residence, such as:

  • an ID with address issued by a unit of government, organization, business, school, or employer; or
  • printed personal check; mail, lease, or rent receipt postmarked withint 60 days; account statement or bill; valid car registration; voter registration card; IRC Face Sheet.

Patrons under the age of 18 must obtain a parent's or legal guardian's consent. Click Here to access the Library Card Application for a Borrower Under the Age of 18 [PDF], available in both English and Spanish.


What are the different types of library cards? What is the difference between Basic and Expanded cards?

The City Library offers several types of library cards based on your address and check-out needs. You may only have one card at any given time. (See "How do I get a library card?" for requirements.)

BASIC CARD

You may check out up to 13 total items. Within that limit, you may check out a total of 1 Lucky Day item, 1 Blu-ray, 3 DVDs, and 3 CDs (including Music CDs, and Language Learning Resources). A Basic card does not expire. Official proof of residency in Salt Lake County is required for a Basic Card. A Basic card is a good option for people who wish to limit the amount of items they are responsible for. Parents can select this option for their children. Click Here to access the Library Card Application for a Borrower Under the Age of 18 [PDF], available in both English and Spanish.

EXPANDED CARD

You may check out up to 100 total items. Within that limit, you may check out a total of 20 DVDs or Blu-rays, 90 Music CDs, 10 Language Learning Sets, and 1 Lucky Day item. An Expanded card does not expire. Official proof of residency in Salt Lake County is required for an Expanded Card.

ORGANIZATIONAL CARD

Businesses, nonprofit organizations, or government agencies within the legal boundaries of Salt Lake City may apply for an Organizational card with The City Library. These groups agree to be responsible for all items checked out by anyone using the card. An Organizational card is a good option for businesses whose employees live outside Salt Lake County but wish to check out City Library materials. Applications are available at all City Library locations.

INTERNET CARD

An Internet card allows you to use The City Library's public computers but does not allow you to check out materials. Anyone can get an Internet card, regardless of address. An Internet card is a good option for people visiting Salt Lake City or for residents who don't wish to be responsible for library materials.


What is a PIN and how do I get one?

A PIN is a four digit personal identification number. It is a security code for using your library card online, and it is necessary to enter when logging into any of our public PCs or your library account online.

If you received your library card before December 15, 2011 then your default PIN number should be the last 4 digits of the phone number you have on record with the library. If you received your card after December 27, 2011 you should have been asked to supply a PIN at the time you signed up for your card.

If you don't have a PIN, or don't remember what it is, call 801-524-8200 with your library card number and birth date ready, or come in to any City Library location with your library card or valid photo ID.


How do I place an item on hold?

If the item you want from the City Library's collection is checked out, you can claim a spot in line to check out the item by placing a hold. Holds can also be placed on items that are currently available—our staff will locate the item for you and have it waiting for you on the Hold shelf at your preferred City Library location.

Holds may be placed through our online catalog, through our mobile app, or by speaking to a library staff member. When the item is ready for you to pick up, you will receive an email or text message notification. Items not picked up within seven days of notification will be reshelved.

Patrons with Expanded cards may place up to 90 items on hold, and patrons with Basic cards may place up to 5 items on hold.


How do I renew my items? How many times can I renew them?

Items will be automatically renewed up to three times, unless your item is on hold for another patron. Each auto-renewal gives you an additional full loan period, and we'll notify you of the new, extended due date via email.

Be aware that items that have already been renewed three times will not be renewed. Any items with a hold placed by another patron will not be renewed. In addition, items in the Lucky Day Collection cannot be renewed. (See "How long do my items check out for (i.e., loan periods)?" for more information about loan periods.)

The auto-renewal process will start three days before an item is due. On that date, the item will be automatically renewed if there are any remaining loan periods available. The additional loan period will start the day the item was originally due, even though the renewal occurred three days prior to this.


How long do my items check out for (i.e. loan periods)?

 MOST ITEMS CHECK OUT FOR 21 DAYS:

  • Books
  • Book Club Kits
  • Audiobooks
  • Language Learning Kits
  • Music CDs
  • Literacy Kits
  • DVDs (excludes Children's
    and Feature Films)
  • Discovery Kits
  • Blu-rays
  • Maps
  • Graphic Novels
  • Art Prints
  • Zines



A FEW ITEMS CHECK OUT FOR 7 DAYS:

  • Children's DVDs
  • Comic Books
  • Feature Film DVDs
  • Magazines
  • Lucky Day Collection

What is the Lucky Day Collection?

Feeling lucky? Drop into any City Library location and check out something from the Lucky Day Collection! The Library sets aside few copies of our most popular items so they're ready for you to pick up when you walk through our doors. You can't place Lucky Day items on hold or view the Lucky Day Collection through our online catalog—you can only get them by dropping by! To keep the collection fresh, Lucky Day items check out for 7 days and cannot be renewed.


Can The City Library email me when my items are due?

The City Library can send you an email (or SMS text message alert, if you prefer) a couple days before your items are due. You can modify your Contact Preferences by logging into your Library Patron account and updating the "Contact Information and Preferences" section, or by speaking with a librarian at any City Library location. You can change/update the email address in your patron account at any time.


How can Library Elf help me to keep track of when items are due?

The City Library subscribes to Library Elf, a virtual assistant that helps busy library users keep track of when their items are due and when their holds are ready to pick up. A perfect solution for families with multiple library cards, Library Elf allows users to consolidate their accounts to see all the materials checked out, due, and on hold on several cards.

Library Elf keeps you connected with text messages, emails, or RSS alerts when your items are due or when your holds are ready to pick up (or about to expire). To learn more about Library Elf, visit libraryelf.com. The City Library subscribes to Library Elf, so anyone with a City Library card can take advantage of premium services free of charge. To sign up, click here.

Note that as of July 1, 2017, the Library implemented an automatic renewal policy. Whereas Library Elf used to automatically renew all City Library items that were eligible, this feature discontinued for City Library cardholders effective July 1, 2017.


Where can I return my items?

Any items checked out from a City Library may be returned to any City Library location. Book drops are located at all City Library locations as a convenience for patrons to return materials. The City Library is not responsible for items left in book drops. The City Library does not accept returns of Salt Lake County Library materials, and the Salt Lake County Library does not accept returns of City Library materials.


How much are overdue and lost item fees?

AS OF JULY 1, 2017, THE CITY LIBRARY NO LONGER CHARGES OVERDUE FINES.

FEES

Damaged item, if repairable $2.00
Lost or non-repairable item Cost of item + $3.00
Returned check $10.00
Lost or damaged large art print folder $35.00

What should I do if I lose or damage an item owned by The City Library?

Over the course of being a City Library user, you may end up damaging or losing a book, CD, or DVD. We understand that accidents happen to all of us. If you lose or damage an item checked out on your library card, you will be charged the replacement cost for the item, plus a $3 processing fee. Please call The City Library (801-524-8200) or talk to a librarian at any City Library location to report the item lost or damaged. You can pay your fees at any City Library location. If you find an item that you have already paid the replacement cost for, you may receive a refund of all but the processing fee.


What should I do if I returned a DVD or CD case and forgot to put the disc in it?

When any DVD or CD is returned to The City Library, we check the case to make sure that the discs are undamaged and in the correct case. If you forgot to include the disc in the case, please bring the disc to any City Library location, and we will see that the disc is put in the correct case. If the disc is returned undamaged and by its due date, there will be no fees.


Why isn't my library card working? Why can't I place a hold?

There are a few situations where your library card will no longer be able to place holds, check out items, use the online resource databases, or other functions. To find out the specific reason your card may not be working, please contact The City Library at 801-524-8200 or visit any City Library location.

Possible causes for your card not working:

  • If your account has more than $25 of total fees, you may not be able to place holds, use our online resource databases, check out items, and perform other functions at the Library. A staff member at any City Library location is happy to set up a payment plan to allow you to check out more items while paying off these fees.
  • If the address on your library card account is not up-to-date, your card may stop working.
  • If you have a conditional card (out-of-county card, for example), your privileges may have expired.

How do I let the Library know I have moved or changed my phone number?

Let us know in person at any City Library location, by calling us at 801-524-8200, or by using our Online Contact Form.


What should I do if I lose my library card?

If you have lost your library card, please contact The City Library right away. You can call us at 801-524-8200 or walk in to any City Library location. You are responsible for all materials checked out on your library card, so treat it as you would a credit card. Once the lost card is cancelled, a new card may be obtained with photo ID.


Can I get a City Library card if I don't live in Salt Lake City?

If you live outside of Salt Lake County, you may purchase a City Library card for $80.00 per year ($20 for three months; $10 for one month). The purchase of a non-county card allows any other residents of your household to also receive a card. All other rules for obtaining a City Library card apply to those living outside Salt Lake County.


I own property in Salt Lake County but I live outside the County; may I get a free City Library card?

Yes, you will need to present your property tax statement and the card will expire annually for updated proof of property ownership. All other rules for obtaining a card will apply.


My child attends high school in Salt Lake City but we live outside of Salt Lake County. Must I purchase a card so that she can check out City Library materials?

Children attending Salt Lake City schools (K–12) may obtain a City Library card for free. Proof of attendance must be provided annually. In this case, free cards are only available to students; those living outside Salt Lake County who aren't K-12 students can purchase a City Library card for $80 per year. (See "Can I get a library card if I don't live in Salt Lake City?" for full information.)


How can I request or reserve a meeting room at The City Library?

The City Library offers meeting rooms for community use at all locations. To use a meeting room at one of our branch locations, please request a room using our Online Interactive Calendar, which shows room availability in real-time. Your Meeting Room request is pending until you receive confirmation from our staff. If you have questions or need additional assistance, please contact the branch where you wish to meet.

To reserve a meeting room at the Main Library, please visit our Meeting Room Reservation page to submit your application.


Does The City Library offer test proctoring?

The Salt Lake City Public Library provides exam proctoring services in support of lifelong learning goals. This service is provided as a courtesy to patrons and is subject to the availability of staff to administer the examination. The City Library may refer students to other institutions that provide proctoring service when conditions cannot be met or a library staff person is not available to provide this service.

Limitations

  • This service is only available for high school and university or college students.
  • The Library does not proctor for business licenses.
  • The Library does not proctor tests taking more than three hours.
  • The Library does not proctor tests requiring extra software, unless the test is taken on the student's laptop and the use of student equipment is allowed by the institution offering the test. Students should verify that online tests will be available at the requested test time.
  • Anyone who misses three scheduled appointments without notification prior to test time will be denied future test proctoring at the Library.

Scheduling
Students must contact the desired Library location at least three full days prior to the desired test date.

Day-Riverside Branch Glendale Branch
Online and paper tests Online and paper tests
1575 West 1000 North 1375 South Concord
801-594-8632 801-594-8660

Corinne & Jack Sweet Branch Marmalade Branch
Paper tests only Paper tests only
455 F Street 280 West 500 North
801-594-8651 801-594-8680

Main Library Chapman Branch
No proctoring No proctoring

Anderson-Foothill Branch Sprague Branch
No proctoring No proctoring

It is the student's responsibility to verify that the requirements of the educational institution can be followed before arranging to have the test mailed. Staff will only sign proctoring verifications when the conditions were met.

Tests that are mailed to The City Library should be addressed to the individual staff member who has agreed to proctor the test. It is the student's responsibility to contact the institution mailing the test and provide the name of the proctor. The student is responsible for calling The City Library to verify that the test has arrived. The student must speak to the staff person who has agreed to be the proctor and schedule a time to take the test. Students must schedule adequate time to finish the test at least 30 minutes prior to Library closing. The Library is not responsible for tests that are incomplete for any reason, including emergency evacuation or early closure of the Library building. The City Library does not guarantee quiet rooms for examinations. It is the student's responsibility to schedule one of the Library’s meeting rooms for the amount of time needed to take the test. The City Library cannot provide continuous monitoring of students during an exam.

Day of the Exam
Students must follow the requirements given by the institution supplying the test, including providing photo identification. Proctors will enforce any time limits placed on the exam.

Students are expected to provide all their own testing supplies, including postage and an envelope to mail the completed test back to the school, if required.

After the Exam
Students should allow sufficient time for the test to be mailed back to the educational institution. Tests are mailed using the U.S. Postal Service within the next two business days. The City Library is not responsible for tests lost in the mail or for keeping a photocopy of the student's answer sheet.


What is the Creative Lab?

The City Library's Creative Lab provides a space with dedicated equipment and software to create, edit, and convert digital media projects including, but not limited to, video, audio, photography, and 3D modeling.

The Creative Lab is located adjacent to the Main Library Technology Center. For general computing activities such as word processing, web browsing, email, social networking, or printing, please use the computers available in the Technology Center or computers located on other floors of the Main Library.


How do I submit a 3D Print Request to the Creative Lab?

Salt Lake City Public Library users can now submit 3D print requests to be printed on one of the Creative Lab's 3D printers. Please visit slcpl.org/3dprinting for details on submitting a 3D print request.


How do I submit a Glowforge Laser Print Request to the Creative Lab?

Salt Lake City Public Library users can now submit Glowforge Laser print requests to be printed at the Creative Lab. Please visit slcpl.org/laserprinting for details on submitting a laser print request.


How do I use The City Library's public computers?

All City Library locations have computers for public use. All public computers have Internet access and the Microsoft Office 2013 suite of programs installed.

Anyone with a City Library Card may use our public computers. If you do not have a City Library Card and do not live in Salt Lake County, you may acquire a Guest Pass at any City Library Reference Desk.

Library Cards and Internet Cards entitle the cardholder to two 60-minute sessions of computer use per day, broken up into as few or as many separate computer sessions as you wish. Guest Passes entitle users to 20 minutes of computer use per session, and patrons will be allowed only one Guest Pass per day.

The City Library uses a reservation system to ensure equitable use of our public computers. If you approach a computer that says "Available" in green, you may use the computer right away. If the computer says "Reserved," it is not available for you to use. You may place a reservation for a computer using the Reservation and Print Release Station at any City Library location. (The Main Library has Reservation and Print Release Stations on all floors.) Once you place a reservation, you will receive a receipt identifying the computer that is reserved for you and the time it will be available. If you do not log in to the computer within five minutes of the assigned time, your reservation will be cancelled. This will count as one of your computer sessions for the day.

For additional clarification on using computers at The City Library, please call us at 801-524-8200 or visit any City Library location.


Can I print from The City Library's public computers?

All public computers at The City Library are connected to a printer. Printing is 10¢ per page, regardless of whether the print is in black-and-white or color.

Every cardholder receives $1.50 in free printing each month (15 free pages of printing per month). If you do not use your $1.50 credit in a given month, the remaining amount does not transfer to the next month.

When you set a document to print, the print job is sent to the Reservation and Print Release Station in that location. To finish printing your document, you must log-in to the Print Release Station and select your item to print. Any items you do not select to print will be removed from your print queue.


Can I print from my mobile device (laptop, tablet, or smartphone)?

Yes, you can print wirelessly from your own mobile device to any City Library Print Release Station.

If you are already at the Library, use the ePRINTit Mobile Web Portal to submit print jobs from your mobile device:
1) Select whether you'd like to print in black and white or color. The charge for printing is 10¢ per page
2) Enter either of the following in order to identify your print job at the Print Release Station:

a) Your Library card number (if you'd like your print costs to come out of your $1.50 monthly printing allocation balance)
b) Your email address username (the part before the @ symbol). For example, a user with the email address "jsmith@example.com" would enter "jsmith"

3) Select the file, document, or URL you'd like to print.
4) Go to a Print Release Station and enter your Library card number or email address username, as outlined above, in order to find your print job. You will then select your payment method, just like you do when printing from the Library's public computers.

If you are not physically at the Library, but wish to print at the Library:
1) Send your print jobs as email attachments directly to these addresses:

a) bw-print@slcpl.org (to print in black-and-white)
b) color-print@slcpl.org (to print in color)

Patrons then have 24 hours to come to the Library branch of their choice to complete the print job.
2) When you arrive, go to a Print Release Station and enter your email address username (the part before the @ symbol) in order to locate your print job. For example, a user with the email address "jsmith@example.com" would enter "jsmith". You will then select your payment method, just like you do when printing from the Library's public computers.

If you are a frequent user of our printing services from your mobile device, you can download the Public Print Locations App from ePRINTit to your Apple or Android device:


Does The City Library have color printers or copiers?

Yes, all City Library locations have a color printer which can print color documents from any public computer in the Library. Color prints are 10¢ per sheet (15 free color pages a month).


Does The City Library have a document scanner I can use?

Yes, The City Library has eight scan stations, located in the Main Library Technology Center, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, Anderson-Foothill Branch, Day-Riverside Branch, Glendale Branch, and Marmalade Branch.

There is no charge to scan and send documents to an email address, Google Docs, or save to a USB flash drive.

The machines can also print in black and white (10¢ per page) and send faxes (no charge, with the ability to send worldwide).


Does The City Library have a public fax machine?

Yes, The City Library has eight print/scan/fax stations, located in the Main Library Technology Center, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, Anderson-Foothill Branch, Day-Riverside Branch, Glendale Branch, and Marmalade Branch.

These machines have the ability to send faxes worldwide. There is no charge for sending a fax.


How can I show my art at a City Library location?

The City Library sponsors art exhibits throughout the system as a source of ideas and inspiration that support and advance our mission. Exhibits are chosen by a staff committee according to the needs and interests of the community, the variety of shows, the artistic quality of the works, and the suitability of format for each library’s physical space. Artists interested in exhibiting are invited to submit a portfolio to the City Library location where they most prefer to exhibit. Portfolios should be submitted within the two-week period prior to the following deadlines: April 10 and October 10.

For full information, please visit our Art Exhibit Call for Entries page.


Teen artists and art instructors, submit your or your student's portfolio to be featured at The City Library! We are always on the lookout for original art exhibitions for the Main Library's Canteena Space on Level 2, and welcome submissions year-round.

For more information, please visit the Teen Art Exhibit Call for Entries page.


How do I create a Flickr Album for my City Library Art Exhibit Submission?

The City Library accepts electronic submissions to our semi-annual Art Exhibit Call for Entries. Part of the electronic submission is to create a Flickr Album where City Library staff can review your artwork.

How to create a Flickr Album as a portfolio for a City Library Art Exhibit Submission:
1. You must have a Flickr account in order to create a Flickr Album. Accounts are free and can be created by clicking "Sign Up" at flickr.com.

2. Once logged in to Flickr, click the Upload button in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Upload your images by dragging & dropping them into the browser window, or click the "Choose photos and videos" button and select the files directly from your hard drive.

3. Each item must include the title of the piece, medium, and size. To edit the title, click the title text box below the image and enter an appropriate title. To add the medium and size, click the "Add a description" button below the image and enter the appropriate information.

4. Make sure that the privacy settings are set to "Visible to everyone" for each image you wish to include in your album. Privacy settings are located on the left side of the screen, under "Owner settings."

5. To create your Album, highlight all of the images you wish to include in your portfolio for submission, then click "Add to albums" in the menu bar on the left-hand side of the screen. In the pop-up window, click the "Create a new album" button. Give your new album a title (something like "City Library Art Exhibit Submission") and description (optional), then click the "Create album" button. If you have more than one album, make sure that the correct album has a checkmark next to it. Click the "Done" button.

6. Once all images have been added to the Album, click the "Upload X Photos" button in the upper-right corner of the screen to publish them (along with the album containing them) to your Flickr account. In the pop-up window, click the "Upload" button.

6. In order to share the Flickr Album with the Library, click on the Albums tab. While hovering over the Album you've created for the Library, click the "Share this album" button (right-facing arrow). Copy and paste the URL from the pop-up window that appears into the proper field in the Library's Art Exhibit Online Submission Form.

7. In order to share the Flickr Album with the Library, click on the "Albums" tab located under the header. If you do not see the "Albums" tab, click the "You" button in the upper-left corner of the screen. While hovering over the Album you've created for the Library, click the "Share this album" button (right-facing arrow). Copy the URL from the pop-up window that appears and paste it into the proper field in the Library's Art Exhibit Online Application Form.

8. It is recommended that you adjust your Privacy & Permissions settings. You can do this by clicking on the stylized camera icon in the top-right corner of the screen. In the drop-down menu that appears, click the "Settings" button. On the settings page, click the "Privacy & Permissions" tab. Adjust the settings as desired by clicking the "edit" button next to any given option. After editing your selection for any given setting, click the "Save" button.

Click Here for full information about the Art Exhibit Call for Entries and to access the electronic submission form, or Click Here for the Teen-Specific Art Exhibit Call for Entries form.


What is the Community Exploration Card?

About the Community Exploration Card
The Community Exploration Card lets you visit some of Salt Lake County's best cultural centers for free! Each card includes admission for four to the Clark Planetarium Hansen Dome Theatre (IMAX not included), Discovery Gateway, The Leonardo, Natural History Museum of Utah, Red Butte Garden, Tracy Aviary, and Utah Museum of Fine Arts. The Community Exploration Card is valid for general admission but not for special events or exhibits.

How Do I Enter?
Each month, a limited number of Community Exploration Cards will be available for checkout through a random drawing. Visit your preferred branch to enter.

How Will I Be Notified If I Win?
Notification will appear in the preferred method chosen for your library account — this could be an SMS text message, email, or both. The Community Exploration Card will appear as a hold in your account; simply visit the main desk at the appropriate branch to receive your card. You must pick up your card at the same branch used to enter. To provide equitable access for everyone, cards are limited to one per household in a 12-month period. One entry per person.


Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Frequently Asked Questions

What is Interlibrary Loan?
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is the process of borrowing materials from libraries across the nation and making those items available for your use. It is used for requesting materials not owned by the library and that fall outside the scope of our collections. The City Library is pleased to provide this service at no or minimal cost to our patrons.

Who can submit an Interlibrary Loan request?
Interlibrary Loan service is available to current Salt Lake City Public Library patrons with an Expanded cardholder account in good standing. Your account is in good standing if you do not owe any damaged/lost item fees and do not have any unresolved account issues. Patrons should resolve any outstanding charges on their account before submitting a request.

Patrons are allowed up to five active ILL requests.

What can I request through Interlibrary Loan?
Interlibrary Loan aims to provide access to books, CDs, DVDs, microfilm, journal articles, and other materials that are not available from The City Library. Please search the catalog to confirm that the item is not already owned by The City Library before requesting materials through Interlibrary Loan. Non-circulating items that are owned by The City Library—including reference tools, rare or valuable materials, and bound volumes of periodicals—may not be requested using this service. For some rare or older requested items, the owning library may specify that they are for use within the Main Library only and cannot be checked out. In the event that your item will require in-Library use only, you will be notified by ILL staff first to confirm your agreement to these terms of use.

Browse Our Collection

Be aware that The City Library does not request to borrow VHS, cassette tapes, or vinyl from other institutions, nor can art prints, maps, or periodicals be requested. In addition, The City Library does not request to borrow materials published in the last 6 months via Interlibrary Loan; you may only request items published over 6 months ago. For newer materials published in the last 6 months that The City Library does not own, consider submitting your request via the Suggest an Item for Purchase form instead.

Materials Selection Policy

We will not fulfill book club requests.

How do I submit an Interlibrary Loan request?
In most cases, Interlibrary Loan requests can be placed directly via The City Library's online catalog (microfilm and journal article requests being the notable exceptions). Patrons should first expand their search beyond The City Library's collection to include the entire Library of Congress catalog. To do so, click the Select Databases link located just below the search bar on the Keyword Search page of the catalog and select Library of Congress under the Interlibrary Loan section. Then proceed with your search. When the search results page appears, if the search status bar does not indicate that "All retrieved results have been added," click the Add Pending Results link to display items retrieved from the Library of Congress catalog. If the item can be located via this expanded search of the Library of Congress catalog, patrons can submit an Interlibrary Loan request directly by clicking the Place Hold button next to the item.

This is the preferred method for placing an Interlibrary Loan request because it provides Library Staff with immediate and accurate information about the item being requested, as well as providing them with your account information. In addition, the request and its status are immediately reflected in your online patron account and updated accordingly as your request is processed.

If your search returns no results, including searches of the Library of Congress catalog as detailed above, you can request the item via Interlibrary Loan manually. To submit a manual Interlibrary Loan request, please email ill@slcpl.org or call 801-524-8200 with your library card account number and specific details about the item you would like to request. As mentioned previously, microfilm and journal articles should be requested in this manner.

If the requested item cannot be located after an extensive search of other institutions conducted by Library staff, explanatory notes regarding the cancellation of your ILL request will be reflected in your patron account. Patrons may call 801-524-8200 or come in to the Main Library to find out why their request was cancelled. If it does not fall within the Materials Selection Policy or the above guidelines regarding what can be requested, you will receive an automated notice of cancellation of your request.

How much will it cost?
The City Library will always search for free lenders first, but if your requested item is only available from a charging library, we will contact you first before adding that cost to your account. Some libraries charge a processing, shipping, and handling fee, ranging from $10.00 to $25.00.

Be aware that borrowed ILL items are subject to the owning library's policies on lost or damaged items and are non-negotiable. You are responsible for any fees associated with the item. Please contact the Interlibrary Loan Office immediately at ill@slcpl.org or 801-524-8200 to report an ILL item lost, damaged, or stolen. We will contact the owning library for an invoice. Because we do not know the exact cost of an item or what damage fees may apply until we receive this invoice, a placeholder charge of $153.10 will be reflected in your account until we can adjust it to the final price. Do not pay this placeholder charge. The final amount you are charged will depend on the cost of the item or any damage fees assessed, which are determined by the owning library. Your ILL borrowing privileges will be suspended until the item is paid in full. We will not accept replacement copies.

How long will it take?
Interlibrary loan staff will request an item from the closest available source—up to 15 institutions, if necessary. As a result, Interlibrary Loan materials may take two to six weeks to arrive. Patrons can request to pick up their materials at any City Library location and will be notified by email or phone when their materials have arrived. Materials will be held behind the Service Desk at each Library location. You must present your library card in order to pick up Interlibrary Loan materials.

How long may I keep the item?
The loan period—typically two to four weeks—is set by the institution from which the item is borrowed, not The City Library. Be sure to pick up your items as soon as possible after you receive notification. This will allow you to have it for the maximum loan period given by the owning library. The longer your item sits on the hold shelf, the less time you will have with it. Be aware that The City Library's standard overdue fines apply to borrowed ILL materials.

You may request renewal of the item up to four business days before the due date by emailing ill@slcpl.org or by calling 801-524-8200. Because we must honor loan periods set by the loaning institution, some renewal requests may be denied.


What other libraries are around Salt Lake City?

Although The City Library operates the eight public libraries within Salt Lake City's official boundaries, there are several other libraries in the area that can provide you with service, as well. Residents of Salt Lake County can borrow from the Salt Lake County Library, The City Library, or Murray Public Library.

Salt Lake County Library Services
Murray City Library
Marriott Library at the University of Utah
Giovale Library at Westminster College
Utah State Library