Placer County expands library program

Placer County libraries have expanded their pool of books by participating in Zip Books, a program supported by the California State Library that allows librarians to pull from the “shelves” of Amazon.com when a book requested by the public is not available at their library.

When someone requests a book or audiobook that that the library does not own, the library will try to find and purchase the item from Amazon.com, or third-party book sellers on Amazon.com, and have it shipped directly to the patron’s address. Once the book has been read, or heard, it is returned to the local library branch where it becomes available to future patrons as part of the library’s permanent collection.

The program allows only one item per Zip Book request. But once the book or audio book is returned to the library, another Zip Book request can be made.

There is no cost to patrons to “check out” a book through Zip Book.

Zip Book requests must be made in person at a Placer County library and participants are asked to return the item to a library staff person rather than using the book drop.

The Zip Books program includes new and used regular or large print books or audiobooks that are available on Amazon.com. Books that cost more than $35 will require approval by the library. Videos and DVDs are not available through the Zip Books program.

Placer County’s Zip Books program is funded by the California State Library through a grant from Library Services and Technology Act. The Placer County Library is one of 16 in the state participating in the program.