Get a Book

The Burlington Public Library is a member of the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC). Your Burlington Library card may be used at any library in the 36 MVLC communities.

Library Catalog

The library catalog displays the holdings in all of the libraries in the entire consortium. To request an item, follow these steps:

• Find the title in the library catalog and click "Place Hold."
• Enter your library card number (no spaces) and pin. Unless you asked the library to change it, your pin was assigned when you registered for your library card and is the last four digits of your phone number.
• On the next screen you must choose a pick up point library. If the item is "checked in" at a member library, it will arrive for you within a few days to a week.
• You will be notified when the item arrives. This service is free.

Commonwealth Catalog

If a physical item you are searching for is not available in the MVLC library catalog, check the Commonwealth Catalog. The Commonwealth Catalog allows you to search for and place holds on material owned by libraries across Massachusetts. The material can be picked up in Burlington. Items reserved using the Commonwealth Catalog can easily take 3 weeks or more to arrive here for you. This service is free.

WorldCat

WorldCat lists the holdings of libraries across the world. It is not possible to place a hold directly using WorldCat, but you can find out which libraries own the items you are seeking. Call the Reference desk at 781-270-1691 and we may be able to borrow the material for you. There is a $5 fee for materials obtained this way that covers charges made by the lending library and shipping expenses. Payment must be made at the time the item is ordered.

Contact

If you need help, call the Reference desk at 781-270-1691.