As of June 4, 2024, interlibrary loan service to all Maine libraries has been suspended. This is due to ongoing contract negotiations/disputes between Maine State Library and our courier service. There is no timeline for when this will be resolved; however, we are currently anticipating a pause of about six weeks.
What can patrons do in the meantime?
- Our patrons can still search our online catalog and place holds on Rice Library items.
- Minerva reciprocal borrowing is still in effect. Rice patrons can use their card in York, Wells, Kennebunk, Sanford, or any of the 40+ libraries in the Minerva system.
- You must have your physical card to check out books at other libraries.
- Although you can search the Minerva catalog to see if another library has a certain book, you cannot place holds on these books online. (You can always contact the owning library directly to have a staff member pull it for you.)
- This program does not extend to Eliot, South Berwick, Berwick, or any New Hampshire libraries.
- Van service is still in operation to get all items currently at other libraries back on our shelves by June 30.
- We are still buying books! If there is something you can't wait to get your hands on, fill out a purchase-request form at the circulation desk. We'll also be buying multiple copies of high-demand titles this summer.
- We are also still buying ebooks for our Libby collection! You can request books for purchase in the app or in person.
- There are over 60,000 items on our shelves and staff members who are here to help you and your family go home with something you'll enjoy.
For more information on this decision, visit the Maine State Library FAQ:
https://maine-msl.libguides.com/c.php?g=1393867
**The Minerva system does not include Eliot, South Berwick, Berwick, or any New Hampshire libraries.**