Can You Get This Book for Me?

If the library doesn't own a title, can we still get it for a patron? Why yes, we probably can. Though the library might not have every book you could possibly want, we have a few other ways to get it for you. 

Interlibrary Loan

Interlibrary loan services allow participating libraries to send their books to another library for a temporary loan period. Most interlibrary loan requests placed by Canton Public Library (CPL) users are fulfilled through the Michigan Electronic Library (MeL), which connects 433 public and academic libraries in one catalog.  As of 2021, MeL was able to access over 48 million items from those participating libraries. This is a great way to get that academic textbook you need for your research paper, or a classic children’s title that only a few libraries carry. Requests usually take 2 weeks to arrive and can be picked up at the Check Out desk.

Suggest a Purchase

Sometimes the item you want is one that should be available at CPL, but it isn’t published yet or might even have slipped the notice of our librarians. Fill out a Suggest for Purchase form and let us know what you’re looking for, your preferred format, and any other important information. A librarian will review your request, and they will make sure you are on the hold list if the item is purchased.

Reciprocal Borrowing

If the item you are looking for is available at a nearby library, you may be able to visit and check it out with your Canton Public Library card that same day. Canton residents can borrow materials with their Canton Public Library card and picture ID at other libraries that are part of The Library Network (TLN). It’s important to note that reciprocal borrowing only applies to physical materials, like books and DVDs, and not to e-books or databases. If every copy of that classic novel is checked out at CPL, there may be a copy at a nearby library that they will hold for you on request. You can even return the book to CPL, and we’ll send it back for you.

Try Other Formats

Still striking out? Sometimes the fastest way to get what you need is think outside the book. If you need something sooner rather than later, you may want to consider checking out an e-book or Large Print copy, or even the audiobook. You may find that you really enjoy the larger text of large print, or the variety of content available in our e-book collections through Hoopla or Libby.

Not sure which choice is best for you? We’re happy to help! Contact the library by phone or email, and we’ll help you find the best way to get that special item.