Maine Reciprocal Borrowing

Program Overview

The Maine Reciprocal Borrowing Program expands on Maine's Interlibrary Loan service to allow patrons from participating libraries to visit other libraries in the program and check out books in person.

If you have a valid library card from any of the participating libraries, you can use that card to check out materials from other libraries on the lists to borrow materials when you visit those libraries.

More information is available on the Maine State Library Reciprocal Borrowing Program website.

FAQs

Walk-In Service

Think of this program like the interlibrary lending program where you can request an item from another library that your own library may not have.

Each participating library reserves the right to limit what can be borrowed through this program.

Generally, however, if an item is available to borrow through interlibrary loan, then it is most likely available to borrow through this program.

This program includes “physical” items only – not digital content available via a library’s website.

Good Standing

Please make sure your local card is up-to-date, hasn't expired, and has no fees or fines. It must be in good standing to use it at a participating library. Staff at participating libraries may ask that you contact your "home" library directly to resolve any issue with your card or account because the staff at the library you are visiting may not have all of your account information available to them.

Returns

Preferably, return the item to the library you borrowed it from or return it to your "home" local library. However, you can return the item to any of the participating libraries, should the need arise. The goal of this program is convenience and customer service!

Participating Libraries

There are public libraries, college and university libraries, some school libraries, and health and specialty libraries. Maine libraries are unique in the nation for their ability to collaborate and share their resources with each other. You have access to all of them through this program.