Place a Request
Interlibrary loan service is for Berkeley Heights Public Library cardholders only. You may place the request yourself if you wish using JerseyCat. If you would like BHPL to place your request for you, stop by the Reference desk, email reference@bhplnj.org, or call the Reference Department at (908) 608-8603, x3.
New items released in the past 6 months cannot be borrowed from other libraries via Interlibrary loan. To suggest a new book or DVD for purchase, stop by the Reference desk, email reference@bhplnj.org, or call the Reference Department. You must have a Berkeley Heights library card to request a new item. See *Alternatives to Interlibrary Loan below for additional options.
How Long Will It Take?
It generally takes 10 days to 2 weeks, although sometimes items arrive in just a few days and some take more than a month. It depends on how rare the item is, whether it is currently on the shelf in a library in New Jersey that agrees to lend items of that type, and the courier service. There is no “express” option. BHPL will call or email you if the request for your item comes back to us unfilled.
Pick up ILL items in person during BHPL’s open hours. Return ILL items in person or to the book drop at 29 Park Ave which is open 24/7. Please include all the ILL paperwork when you return the item(s).
*Alternatives to Interlibrary Loan
You may go to a public library with whom BHPL has reciprocal borrowing privileges, and use your BHPL card to check out the item there. Find libraries that honor the BHPL card here. The BHPL Reference Department can also help you find the nearest library that owns the item that you need.
It is recommended that you call the owning library first, to see if the item you want is available and what the library’s hours and procedures are. Please bring your valid BHPL card + photo ID with you.
Check the library’s online resources to see if the digital version of the item is available:
For eBooks or eAudiobooks, check eLibraryNJ (Libby app) and hoopla.
For movies or TV series, check kanopy and hoopla.
For music, check freegal or hoopla.
Any Other Questions?
Check out the BHPL Interlibrary Loan Policy.
Email: reference@bhplnj.org