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Zip Books

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Zip Books is back! To participate in the program, make sur to read the information below and fill out a Zip Books form.

Zip Books is a service that allows Salinas Public Library patrons to request books or audiobooks not already owned by the Library and have them delivered to their homes.  Patrons must return the item to the Library when they are done reading it. 

Eligibility to use Zip Books service:

  • You must have a Salinas Public Library card in good standing.
  • You may request up to 2 Zip Books at a time. Each Zip Books must be returned before you can request another. 
  • You may only request books, large print books, or audiobooks, that are not already owned by the Library. You may not request items that are out-of-print, not yet published, specialized textbooks (general textbooks may be considered on a case by case basis), or items that do not meet Library's Collection Development Policy.

How to request a Zip Book:

  • Complete the Zip Books request form or print the paper form and submit it in person to the Library.
  • Library staff will review your request to determine eligibility and send an email update on the status of your request as soon as possible.
  • If your Zip Books request is approved, you will receive a package containing your requested item and may include a note on the packing slip indicating ‘Zip Books’. Please keep the packing slip in the book until you return it to the Library.
  • Zip Books requests are accepted until June 20, 2025 or earlier, based on funding availability. 

How to return a Zip Book:

  • Zip Books item must be returned in-person to the Library. Please include the packing slip when you return the item to the Library service desk or indicate to the staff that you are returning a Zip Books.
  • Do not return Zip Books item in a book drop because you may not be correctly credited for returning the item.
  • Zip Books item that is not returned to the library will be charged as a lost item to your library account.
  • All Zip Books must be returned to the Library within 90 days.

The Zip Book program is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.

Zip Books FAQs

Are there other fees for Zip Books?

We no longer charge Zip Books fees and there are no overdue fines for Zip Books. However, if a Zip Book is not returned, you may have to pay a replacement fee before you can request another Zip Book.

What happens to returned Zip Books?

Our Librarian will review the item and decide whether it can be added to the Library’s collection. If it is not added to the collection, it will be given to Friends of Salinas Public Library or another organization.

Why would my Zip Books request not be approved?

If the item does not meet the Zip Books criteria listed, your request may not be approved. If another patron has requested the same item, we may not approve your request, but we will put you on the hold list for that item once it is returned.

Have more questions on Zip Books?

For any other questions regarding Zip Books service, please email library staff at splzipbooks [at] ci.salinas.ca.us (subject: Zip%20Books%20Inquiry%20from%20Library%20Website)