Requests for items not owned by the DC Public Library may be filled via interlibrary loan. Interlibrary loan is offered to patrons who have a DC Public Library card. Customers assume cost of postage, insurance and handling charges, and any fees charged by the lending library. Materials cannot be requested from the Library of Congress.

When making an interlibrary loan request, customers should bear in mind that their DC Public Library card grants them reciprocal privileges at the following neighboring library systems: Alexandria, Falls Church, Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Montgomery, Prince George's and Prince William counties.