Borrowing Materials
Consortium Loans
The libraries of all 8 counties of Maryland's Eastern Shore are proud to operate as a consortium that shares materials between one another for the benefit of our patrons. In addition to books, our libraries also loan out movies, comics, video games, and other equipment such as fishing rods. Most of these items are eligible for renewals, as long as no other hold exists.
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are proud to offer contactless curbside pickup for loaned materials. Curbside pickup is fast, convenient, and safe. For more info, click here.
Visit the catalog to see available materials and place holds. You may also call, email, or visit the Information Desk for assistance. Unfortunately there is no way to see where you are on the hold list.
Inter-Library Loan
When materials are not available from an Eastern Shore Library, holds may be placed with Western Shore Libraries via Marina and shipped to one of our branches. These holds do take longer to arrive.
Marina can also be used to request books from out of state. Submitting an OCLC request is no guarantee that the material will be available. As these requests come from out-of-state libraries, they may take several weeks to arrive.
These materials may be checked out for three weeks and are not available for renewal. If the item is still needed after three weeks have elapsed, a new request may be placed.
While the Dorchester County Public Library is proud to be fine free, OCLC materials are still subject to fines of $1 every day it is overdue. If the material is damaged or not returned, the borrower will be responsible for any fees determined by the lending library.