Borrowing Materials
Consortium Loans
Your library card gives you access to all 8 counties on the Eastern Shore of Maryland as part of the Regional Consortium. You can borrow materials and return materials at any library. You can also order items from other counties to be picked up at any location. This service gives you access to not only books but movies, comics, videos games, and more! To order items, see instructions below or call for assistance.
Ordering Items:
1. Access the Catalog
Click the “Go to Catalog” button above.
2. Log In
Select “Log In” at the top of the page.
Username: your library card barcode (no spaces)
Password: the last four digits of your phone number
Once logged in, you can change your password from the account menu.
If you have difficulty logging in, have changed your password and need a reset, or other assistance contact your local library.
3. Search for Items
Use the “Keyword Search” to find items. Many titles are available in multiple formats—such as eBook, audiobook, large print, DVD, or Blu-ray—indicated by icons below the cover image.
4. Place a Request
Click “Place Request” and choose your preferred pickup branch. You may request up to 20 items at a time.
5. Wait for Notification
Most items are ready within about a week. You’ll be notified by email or mail based on your account settings (can be updated anytime in account settings).
Please note: High-demand titles (e.g., bestseller lists or book club picks), holidays, and weather closures may extend wait times.
6. Pick Up Your Items
Items can be picked up at the circulation desk of your selected branch or at the Hurlock Book Locker.
Most items are eligible for automatic renewals. Exceptions occur if there is a wait list or other restrictions.
Curbside pickup is also available at both Dorchester County branches—please call ahead to schedule.
7. Need Something We Don’t Have?
If an item is not available within the local consortium, please see Marina (Inter-Library Loan) requests below or contact your library for assistance.
8. Returning Materials
Items can be returned via a book drop at any library location on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
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 (OCLC). 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.