Zip Books

A New Way to Get the Books You Need

What is Zip Books? | What Can Be Ordered? | Receiving Your Zip Book

Zip Books is a service provided through an LSTA Grant by the California State Library. Eighty-nine library jurisdictions are participating in Zip Books throughout California.

What is Zip Books?

Zip Books is an additional purchasing option that is meant to provide patrons with speedy access to materials not owned by the library. It also gives patrons the ability to participate in the development of our collection. Our hope is that this will help tailor our selection even more to reflect our community.

When making a suggestion for purchase, a librarian will determine if your item qualifies as a Zip Books purchase. If it does, instead of the item arriving at the library and visiting us to pick up your hold, Zip Books is a service through Amazon that delivers what you ordered right to your door. This will get your request into your hands faster, and once you’re done with it, you’ll return it to the library to potentially be added to our collection.

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What Can Be Ordered Through Zip Books

In order for your request to qualify for a Zip Books purchase, it must:

• Not be owned by the Simi Valley Public Library
• ​Be a print book (including graphic novels and manga), large print book, or physical audiobook
• Be in stock through Amazon. You cannot preorder titles through Zip Books.
• A bestseller for large print and audiobook formats
• Cost $35 or less

To participate in the Zip Books program, you must be a library patron in good standing. If you do not yet have a library card with the Simi Valley Public Library you can visit to create one or begin the process online! All we require is a form of government-issued identification to create a library card. Library users are able to request up to four items from Zip Books in a month.

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Receiving Your Zip Books

Once you’ve requested a book via the Suggestion for Purchase form, your request will be received by one of our librarians. If your suggestion qualifies for a Zip Books order, a library staff member will send you a confirmation email once your Zip Books item is on its way. To ensure your item gets to you, be sure that your email, phone number, and address are up-to-date on your library account! Instruction about how to return your Zip Book to the library will be included in the confirmation email and as a gift receipt with your Zip Book item. The item will be checked out to your library card once we receive confirmation that the item has been delivered.

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What Do I Do When I’m Done?

Once you’re finished with your Zip Books item, bring it in to the library with the the included gift note instructions if possible. In order to ensure the best possible experience, please return your item to the customer service desk rather than returning the item through the outside book drops. You can have a Zip Books item checked out for up to three weeks. These instructions will also be included via email when you’re informed that your request is on the way as well as with the item when you receive it.

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What If I Have Questions?

Do you have any questions about the Zip Books process, or any request that you may have made? Feel free to reach out to [email protected] or give us a call at (805)526-1735.

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