What is the Zip Books Program?

Zip Books is a grant funded program by the California State Library. Library patrons may request a book (regular print, large print, or book on CD) not currently owned by Tulare Public Library (TPL).  If your request is approved by library staff, it is purchased through Amazon and sent directly to your house for free. After 4 weeks, those items are due back at the library where most will be added to the collection. 

Zip Books Program Information 

Who is eligible for the program? 

• You must be 18 years of age or older.
• You must have a Tulare Public Library card and be a Tulare County resident.

How do I request a book? 

• Fill out the form below and a staff member will contact you.  
• All the items must meet the criteria below in order for your request to be approved.

What kind of items may I request? 

• Accepted Formats include:
  • Print books, large print, books on CD 

   

• Formats NOT accepted
  • Digital content (eBooks...) DVDs, or Video Games
  • Textbooks and study guides are generally not accepted but may be approved.

   

• Other criteria
  • The item must NOT be owned by Tulare Public Library.
  • Foreign language material will be considered on a case by case basis.  

• Price limits 
  • $50.00 pretax maximum for books
  • $75.00 pretax maximum for audio books and foreign language material

How many books may I request? 

• 1 Item at a time
  • The item must be returned to the library before you may submit another request. 

How do I get my item? 

• All approved requests are ordered through Amazon and shipped directly to your mailing address.
  • Make sure your mailing address is up to date on your library card account. 
• The Amazon package will be addressed "Your Name_Zip Book" 
• The item will come with a Gift Note. Please keep the note and return it with your item to the library. 

How long may I keep the item? 

• Items are due 4 weeks after you receive it through the mail. 

How do I return my item? 

• Place the Gift Note from Amazon inside the item
• Return the item to the Tulare Public Library and hand to a staff member 
  • Do NOT use the book drop to avoid being charged for the item.

Can I renew my item? 

• No renewals
• Most Zip Books will be added to the library's regular collection.  You are welcome to check the item out from the library once it has been returned and processed. 

Are there any fees?

• There is no charge for requesting or receiving a Zip Book.
• If a Zip Book is not returned to the library, you will be charged the full price of the item. 

Other information

• The library will manually check out all Zip Books to your library account. Items will appear on your account as "ZIP BOOK_Title." 
• The library plans to add most items to the library collection so other members of our community can check out the item. 

California State Library Grant

• This Zip Books Project was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library. 
• The grant currently expires on June 30, 2024.

The Tulare Public Library is committed to protecting the privacy of all users, and data gathered will only be used for the purposes of providing the requested library service.