How can I read a book that is not available at my library but is listed in the collections of the Library of Congress?

[U.S. soldiers getting library books from truck, Kelly Field Library].
[U.S. soldiers getting library books from truck, Kelly Field Library]. [between 1917 and 1919]. Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Division.

We encourage you to first check WorldCat where you can search for materials held in libraries from around the world and find the nearest library that holds the book that you are looking for.

If there isn't a library with the book near you, you may request materials on Interlibrary loan (ILL) through your local library. We loan materials to other libraries on a case-by-case basis. These requests must be initiated through your local library. Generally, your local library will first attempt to request materials from another library before contacting the Library of Congress. We do not charge for this service; in some cases, local libraries charge a nominal fee for ILL. Additional information about our ILL service is available here.

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Last Updated: Jan 27, 2025
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