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ZIP BOOKS
What is the Zip Books delivery service?
Zip Books is a special service for Kern County residents with a valid library card in good standing. If the Kern County Library doesn’t own a book you’d like to read, you can request it through Zip Books! If approved, your book will be shipped straight to your home from Amazon. Once you’ve finished reading, return the book to any Kern County Library location, and it might even become part of our collection for others to enjoy!
This project was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.
- Patron must have a valid full-access Kern County Library card.
- eCard and limited-access accounts must visit a branch to upgrade to a full-access card before using Zip Books.
- The service is available to Kern County residents only.
- Your library account must be in good standing.
- You can only request titles that are not already in the Kern County Library catalog.
- You may have up to 2 Zip Books checked out at a time.
- You can submit up to 2 requests per month. Zip books must be returned to a library location before requesting another title.
- The book’s cost must be $45 or less.
- New in 2025/2026: Request eBooks and & eAudiobooks for the Palace Project app. These requests are separate from print Zip Books and do not count against your print Zip Books limit on budget.
You can request print books (in English, other languages, or large print) that aren’t already in the Kern County Library catalog. (Check the catalog for your title!)
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Books should be published within the last 6 months to 2 years. (Sometimes we can make exceptions for newer titles!)
- It should cost $45 or less on Amazon. (We may approve higher-priced items in special cases).
- We are only able to offer titles that ship from a location in the US.
- Titles that might be suitable for addition to our library collection. (Discover our collection development policy).
New: Besides print books, you can now request eBooks and eAudiobooks to be included in the Palace Project app. To read your requested title, download the free app from our eLibrary.
- The eBook or eAudiobook must not already be owned by our library or available on the Palace Project app.
- The item must be published (no pre-orders) and available from The Palace Marketplace.
- The items must be an eBook or eAudiobook.
- Textbooks, workbooks, fillable books, and study guides are not accepted using the program.
- Pre-orders are not eligible.
- Audio-visual items (audiobooks, DVDs, or other media).
Suggest a title not in the catalog by visiting our website to request the Library purchase it (here).
Print:
- After you submit your request, staff review it to make sure it meets program guidelines.
- You’ll receive an email letting you know whether your request can be filled.
- If approved, the book is purchased from Amazon and mailed directly to the address you provided.
- Please wait at least 2 weeks before asking about the status of your request.
eBooks & eAudiobooks:
- Requests are then reviewed. If approved, the title will be purchased and added to the statewide Palace Project collection.
- Once approved and added, you will receive an email when the title is ready to download in the Palace Project app.
- Be sure to check out the title soon after the notification- these items cannot be placed on hold for individual patrons.
- Califa purchases approved titles weekly. Titles can only be added to the Palace collection, not to other platforms (such as Libby).
We recommend returning your Zip Book within a month. While there are no late fees currently, please remember to bring your book back to any Kern County Library branch before borrowing more titles.
You have two options to return your Zip Book:
- In person: Hand it directly to library staff and let them know it’s a Zip Book.
- Book Drop: Return it in a package clearly labeled “Zip Book Return” with your name, either in the original package or a bag with your name, then drop it in the book drop.
Please treat Zip Books like any other library book. Books in good condition may even be added to the library collection when returned!
- Zip Books are shipped directly from Amazon to the address you provide, so make sure the address you provide can receive packages.
- You may receive used books due to the cost or availability. We only order books in “good” condition or better.
- Important: Zip books can only be purchased and shipped through Amazon and from Amazon warehouses. Due to grant requirements, we cannot use other sellers or websites.
- New this year (2025-2026): eBooks and eAudiobooks can be requested for purchase through the State Library’s Zip Books eBooks for All program.
- Approved digital titles will appear in the Palace Project app.
- If you have any questions about the Zip Books Palace Project for eBooks and eAudiobooks, please feel free to reach out to zipbooks@califa.org
REQUEST IT. ZIP IT. READ IT.
Requesting a Zip Book is Easy!
Zip Your Next eBook Right to You!
Step 1: Request a Title
If the library or The Palace Project doesn’t own the eBook or eAudiobook, request it using these forms:
- English Requests: https://califa.org/zipbooks-eng
- Spanish Requests: https://califa.org/zipbooks-spa
Step 2: You’ll get an email when your title is available in the Palace app. Titles can’t be held for patrons– so check them out as soon as you’re notified.
