Borrow Materials From Other Libraries
For hard-to-find books, all members, with the exception of reciprocal borrowers, can try our Interlibrary Loan services. PDL is a member of the Michigan eLibrary Catalog, which provides you with access to materials from libraries throughout the state.
If you cannot locate the title you are looking for in our library catalog, try searching “MeLCat.” You can directly request items to come from libraries located throughout the state of Michigan. This service is limited to residents of the Portage Library District service area and is also extended to those who purchase a non-resident membership.
How Does It Work?
To order items from MeLCat, you need to have your library card number. All materials requested will be delivered to the Portage District Library. You will be notified when your requested items arrive, and you will be able to pick them up at the Checkout Desk.
All books that are requested through MeLCat checkout for four weeks and are able to be renewed one time before they are overdue. Movies and music check out for two weeks and are never renewable. The replacement charges for non-return, loss, or damage to MeLCat items are determined by the lending library and can be charged as soon as an item is overdue by 30 days or returned in a damaged condition.
What If I Still Can’t Find My Title?
If you cannot locate the title you need on MeLCat, please contact our librarian staff for further assistance. In the case of newly released titles, we may be able to purchase the title to add to the Library’s collection. Also, don’t forget about our many reciprocal borrowing agreements with other local libraries. You may be able to find what you need locally and check it out directly!