Request Materials

If your homework or research requires a book or article we don't own, there are many options available to you. If you have some lead time, we can get pretty much anything. Keep in mind the more lead time we have, the more successful your results will be. There are fees for some services, from 75¢ to $2.00 per item.

We're happy to help you obtain the books and articles you need. Contact us and we'll show you how easy it is to request materials.

The Peninsula Library System Catalog is the best way to find books in 35 libraries in and around the San Mateo County peninsula. Your PLS card is valid at all of these libraries. Items can be shipped between peninsula libraries for 75¢ per title. Learn how to place holds, or call us at 650.780.7020 and we can do it for you. You'll need a valid Peninsula Library System card to place holds.

And if it isn't in our catalog, try the new California Libraries Catalog. You can search for titles just in the Bay Area by selecting Public Libraries and then using the limit box to select Greater Bay Area!
If you find what you are looking for, we can usually order it for you!

Please let us know if we don't own a title, or if we're missing books on a particular subject. We love suggestions from you--our customers. You can also place a hold on an item you suggest, if the item is added. You can make a suggestion by calling us at 650.780.7026, e-mailing us or by filling out a form.

If you've tried these methods, and still can't find something, you should place a request through Inter-Library Loan. This nation-wide search costs $2.00 per title. To make an ILL request, call us at 650.780.7026. You'll need your library card number.