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Zip Books

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

***Please allow extra processing times for the 2024 holiday season.

The Zip Books program is a free state-funded service that allows Salinas Public Library patrons to request books or audiobooks not already owned by the Library and have them shipped straight to their homes. Once finished reading, patrons must return the items directly to a staff member where they will then be evaluated to add to the library's collection.

Zip Books Eligibility:

  • Patron must have a Salinas Public Library card in good standing.
  • Requests may only be for books, large print books, or audiobooks not already owned by the Library.
    • Ineligible items: Out-of-print, not yet published, specialized textbooks (general textbooks are considered case-by-case), and items that do not meet the 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 at the Library.
    • You may request up to 2 Zip Books at a time. Each Zip Book must be returned before you can request another.
  • Library staff will review your request to determine eligibility and then send an email update on the status of your request as soon as possible.***
  • If your Zip Book request is approved, the item will be shipped to your address and may include a packing slip labeled ‘Zip Books’. Please return the packing slip with the book to a library staff member.
  • Zip Book requests are accepted until June 20, 2025 or earlier, based on funding availability. 

How to Return a Zip Book:

  • Zip Book items must be returned in-person to a staff member at the Library. Please include the packing slip and indicate to the staff member you are returning a Zip Book.
  • Do not return Zip Book items in a book drop because you may not be correctly credited for returning the item.
  • All Zip Books must be returned to the Library within 90 days.
    • Zip Book items that are not returned to the library will have their account charged for a 'lost item.'

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)