2026-2027 Zip Books

Purpose: The Zip Books program provides library users with access to books that are not available at their local libraries. A patron requests the item, the library purchases it from qualified vendor, and the book is shipped to the patron’s home. The patron returns the book to the library, and the library adds it to the collection. Because Zip Books is a user-driven program, the library collection becomes more closely matched to the needs of the community. The Zip Books program is an alternative model for interlibrary loan service that bridges the gaps between a library’s patron request service, a normal acquisitions process, and an outreach/home delivery service. It is based on a project called “Zip Books—Digital Library of Northern California,” conducted by the Butte, Shasta, and Humboldt County Libraries under a FY 2011/12 LSTA grant from the California State Library. The Zip Books program is currently supported with California Library Services Act funds from the state of California. Under the Zip Books program, patrons request books that the library does not own. The library then orders the book from Amazon, and the book is shipped directly to the patron’s home. When the patron is finished with the book, the book is returned to the library and added to the collection. Eligible Applicants: The only eligible applicants are California public libraries. A public branch library should apply to participate through its jurisdiction, not as a specific location within the jurisdiction. Eligible Geographies: This opportunity is for public libraries in California.

• PSCLibraries and Arts

• Grant guidelines

  Not yet available

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  zipbooks@library.ca.gov