Contact Us

If an item you are seeking is not available at any library in the Metro Network (Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha, or Marion), we can often get it from another library through Interlibrary Loan.

How to request a book from another library outside the Metro Library Network:

1. Log into your library account by clicking on the red “Log In/My MPL button at the top right of your web browser page.
2. Enter your library card number in the Username or Barcode box.
3. Enter your PIN number in the Password box.
4. Click on the “Search” option.
5. Click on “Keyword” in the drop-down menu.
6. Click on the “Select Databases” in the gray section of the window.
7. Click on the checkbox next to “SILO For Interlibrary Loan”.
8. Click on the “Set Databases” button.
9. Your search screen will now say “2 selected databases.” Enter the words which you want to search for in the text box and then click on the magnifying glass to search for the results.
10. Locate the item in the list you would like to receive. Click on the “Place Request” button on the right side of the item you would like to receive.
11. Select which location, “Marion Uptown” or “Marion Annex” is more convenient for you to pick up your book when it arrives.

Also be aware that when you search for an item the library does not own, you will see the message “No matches were found in the Metro Library Network”. Click there to search and request an interlibrary loan (fees may apply). If you need further assistance, please call the library at 319-377-3412, use the chat feature or reach out to info@marionpubliclibrary.org

Charges

The Marion Public Library charges $5.00 for each interlibrary loan received from an out-of-state library. The same fees apply per article for journal photocopies; we no longer borrow microfilm or microfiche, as we do not have a reader. The lending library may charge an additional $20.00 – $25.00 dollars.

Guidelines for Interlibrary Loan

1. You must have a valid Marion Public Library card to request interlibrary loans.
   
   
2. Please check the library catalog to be sure that the material is not owned by any Metro Library Network library.
   
   
3. We will process up to five requests per patron at one time. This includes requests that have already been submitted but are not yet completed. Fill out a separate form for each item.
   
   
4. Please fill out all required fields, indicated by an *. The more information you provide, the better chance we will have of finding your item.
   
   
5. Interlibrary loan materials are borrowed from other libraries. They set the due dates for how long you will be able to borrow items. Please do not remove any labels or bands that identify the item as an Interlibrary Loan item and please return them on time!
   
   
6. We cannot request items with a copyright within the past year; but ask us and we can add the item to our collection!