Can't Find It?

If you're looking for a specific item that isn't currently in our collection, don’t despair! There are still some options that you can explore when looking for hard-to-find materials.

Suggest a Title

Use the Suggest a Title service to propose purchases for our collection. We will ask for your library card number so that we can place a hold on the item for you if/when we purchase your suggested item. 

Suggest a Title

Titles we are most likely to consider

  • Published material from the last two years that we do not own
  • Books, ebooks, magazines, music, movies, and video games that will interest the community

How do we select material for our collections?

We consider many things before purchasing items. For instance:

  • Will there be some demand?
  • Are there good reviews in journals, newspapers or other sources?
  • Does it fill a gap in the collection?
  • Are the subject, format, and style suitable for a public library?
  • What is the reputation of the author, publisher, or label?
  • What is the artistic merit?
  • What is the price of the item and the available budget?

What if the title was published more than two years ago?

If the title was published two or more years ago, please try our Interlibrary Loan service. 

Interlibrary Loans

Interlibrary Loans allows for loans between provinces, but cannot be used to request items from other public libraries in Saskatchewan. In some cases, we may be able to request materials from non-public libraries in Saskatchewan. There are some restriction (listed below) on the items that can be requested via Interlibrary Loan. 

Interlibrary Loan Request

Who can request an Interlibrary Loan?

All residents of Saskatoon who hold a valid library card. We will be unable to place an Interlibrary Loan request if your card has expired or if you have charges on your card of $10.01 or more.

Are there charges for this service? What about late charges?

The Interlibrary Loan service is free but there are charges if the item is overdue, damaged or lost. If the item is kept past the due date, you will be charged $0.30 per day for late fees. If the item is damaged or not returned, you will be charged a replacement cost. This amount is set by the lending library. 

How long does it take?

Many items come within 4 - 6 weeks. However, unusual items may take several months to find. Each request is filled as soon as available material is located. We may not be able to obtain books from outside Canada.

What cannot be requested through Interlibrary Loan?

  • Items owned by the SILS consortium
  • Entire magazines or newspapers
  • Books on CD
  • CDs
  • DVDs
  • CD-ROMs
  • Computer software or games
  • Rare books and reference books are not usually loaned to us or, if loaned, must be used in the library. If you require only a few pages from a specialized work, microfilm, magazine, or newspaper, we can order a photocopy of those pages for you. 

How will I be notified about my request? Where may I pick it up?

You will be contacted when an item you requested arrives for you or if an item is unavailable. Interlibrary Loans items may be picked up and returned at any public library in Saskatchewan.

How long can I keep my Interlibrary Loan? Can it be renewed?

The loan period is 21 days. If the lending library allows, you can ask for a renewal.

Reciprocal Borrowing

The Reciprocal Borrowing program allows Saskatchewan residents with a valid library card to physically visit and borrow materials from any other public library in the province. When returning items, patrons are encouraged to return items to the same library they borrowed the item from. However, if necessary, the item can be returned within their home library system.

Still have questions? Email SPL at [email protected] or call 306.975.7561
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