Borrow from Other Libraries

Looking for an item that we don't have?

The fastest, easiest way to request a book from another library is through MeLCat. MeLCat lets you search most public and academic libraries in Michigan, and request to have any items marked 'Available' delivered to your home library. Requests are free and anyone with a Canton Public Library card is eligible. Patrons who use MeLCat interlibrary loan agree to abide by its policies. 

Items requested through MeLCat typically take two weeks to arrive. Once they arrive, you will be notified just like you would for regular CPL holds. Head over to the Check Out Desk when you come in to pick up your item. 

If you need the item sooner, you may also be able to borrow it directly from another library. Canton cardholders can borrow materials from other libraries that are members of The Library Network (TLN). To search for an item at one of these libraries, use the TLN Catalog. 

If you find the item you want at another TLN library, you can visit that library to pick it up. The other library will typically have you register your Canton Public Library card with them the first time you borrow an item in order to activate your card in their system. Some may allow you to place an item on hold over the phone.

Books borrowed through MeLCat have a loan period of 28 days. Due dates for your items can be found in your My CPL account. MeL books will auto-renew one time. Most audiovisual items borrowed through MeLCat have a loan period of 14 days; these are not renewable.

If an item is not available in MeLCat, our staff can also search libraries outside of Michigan for you. For items borrowed from outside Michigan, the lending library decides how long to loan the items, so the due dates may vary. To request a search outside of Michigan, please complete the form below.