All library patrons with a valid library card may request an item through the interlibrary loan system. Materials may be requested via the Reference staff in person, by phone, or via email to info@portsmouthlibrary.org. Patrons will be notified by phone or email when the item is available for pickup. If the requested item is not available within the Ocean State Libraries consortium, the Reference staff shall try to obtain the item from college and university libraries in Rhode Island. If the item is not found, it may be requested from out-of-state. There is no guarantee that the materials requested will be available from another institution. Interlibrary loans obtained from libraries outside the statewide delivery system are subject to a fee of $5.00 per item to offset the cost of return postage. This fee is payable when the interlibrary loan request is picked up by the patron. The loan period of the item is determined by the lender.
Portsmouth Free Public Library completely shares all of its circulating materials except for those items which are classified as equipment or reference materials.