Zip Books
Zip Books is a grant funded program through the California State Library. It supports community-driven collection development by helping libraries grow based on the needs and interests of their patrons.
How it works
If you are looking for a title we do not have in the collection, and you have a permanent library card, you may request it as a Zip Book. The library will order your requested title from Amazon and it will be shipped directly to your home. Once the item is ordered, it will be checked out to your library account. You will have 60 days from the estimated delivery date until its due, and when you return your item, it is considered for our collection.
What you can request in the Zip Books program
- A print book, an audiobook CD or audiobook MP3 CD that we do not have in our collection.
- Alternate formats of items we already own, such as:
- Large print editions
- Audiobook CDs
- Editions in other languages
- Graphic novel adaptations
Please note:
- The publication date must be at least one year old.
- The item must be available as a new copy through Amazon Prime.
- The cost of the item (before tax) must not exceed:
- $35 for a print book
- $70 for an audiobook CD
Materials that do not qualify for the Zip Books program
- Digital media such as eBooks and audiobooks
- DVDs, Music CDs
- Materials only available as used copies
- Boxed sets that have multiple books in one order.
- Materials we already have in the collection
- Fiction titles on the current New York Times Bestsellers list.
- New titles published within the past year.
Instead, you may fill out a New Book Suggestion Form for the last 2 items on this list.
Patron requirements
- A permanent Humboldt County Library card regardless of cardholder's age. Express Cards and eAccounts are not eligible.
- Your library account should be in good standing without overdue items and/or fines over $5.
- Your mailing address must be current and match the contact information in your library card account.
- Patrons can request 1 Zip Book per calendar month. Return your current Zip Book to request a new item.
Returning your Zip Books
Please return the item in person at the service desk at your nearest branch library. Let staff know you are returning a Zip Book. Please do not return Zip Books in the book drop. Zip Books returned into the book drop cannot be checked in. The item will remain on your account, be classified as lost, and you will be billed.
Lost or damaged Zip Books
Damaged Zip Books will result in a charge to your account based on the library’s materials policy. Lost or unreturned Zip Books will result in a charge to your account, which includes the cost of the book and a processing fee.
What to expect after making a request
- Please allow up to 1 week for your request to be processed after submission.
- Library staff will place your order and automatically check it out to your library card account. The due date will be set 60 days from the estimated delivery date.
- You will be notified by email or mailed letter confirming that your Zip Book has been ordered. This message will include the expected delivery date, your library due date, and return instructions.
- If your Zip Book has not arrived within 1 week of the estimated delivery date, please contact the library for assistance.
- When your book arrives, please remember to take good care of your Zip Book just like any other library books.
- Once you're done, bring the item directly to staff at any Humboldt County Library branch so it could be checked in and removed off your account.
Request a Zip Book
Fill out a Zip Book request form at any Humboldt County Library branch or use the online form.