The Zip Books Program Returns November 19!

The Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries have received $15,840 in Zip Books Grant funds from the California State Library for the 2025-26 cycle. This beloved program has expanded access to library materials for over ten years, allowing patrons access to titles that would not typically be available in their local public libraries.

New this Year:

  • Patrons can request their Zip Books by contacting library staff at any of our four locations, in person or by phone (see list below), rather than completing a form online. Staff will ensure that the materials meet program requirements before submitting your request. 
  • For digital library users, the California State Library is also offering Zip Books requests to add eBooks and eAudiobooks to the Palace Project free library app. Unlike the Zip Books program offered through Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries, library users can place their requests directly through the statewide Zip Books Palace Project Form for eBooks & eAudiobooks, administered by California State Library staff.

 _____________________________________________________

General Program Information

What is the Zip Books Program?

Patrons with a Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries card in good standing can request books or audiobooks to be mailed directly to their home from Amazon. Zip Books are purchased with grant funds made available through the California State Library.

What can be requested through the Zip Books Program?

To be eligible for the Zip Books Program, your request must meet these criteria:

  • Title is not already owned by the Goleta Valley Library, Solvang Library, Buellton Library, Bookvan, or other Black Gold Cooperative member libraries.
  • Title must be available from Amazon or an Amazon bookseller for less than $50 in Print or Large Print formats, or less than $75 in Book on CD format.
  • New! Requests are limited to two books per patron per month, rather than per household. Up to six titles can be received per patron during the grant cycle, while funds last. 
  • If one of our libraries already owns the book you are requesting, then we will place a hold on the item for you as a courtesy.

When are Zip Books due back?

  • Zip Books have a due date of three months from the date of your request. When you are finished with your Zip Books, return them to your home library in-person at the circulation desk so that they can be checked in.
  • Zip Books returned in the book drops will not be checked in. The full cost of unreturned Zip Books will be charged to borrowers' accounts. 
  • Returned Zip Books are not available for sale. All Zip Books are reviewed for possible addition to the circulating collection.

Where can I request or return Zip Books?

Goleta Valley Library Express
6500 Hollister Avenue, Suite 105
Goleta, CA 93117
805-964-7878

Bookvan
Check calendar for rotating stops - in person only

Buellton Library
202 Dairyland Road
Buellton, CA 93427
805-688-3115

Solvang Library
1745 Mission Drive
Solvang, CA 93463
805-688-4214

Questions? Email zipbooks@cityofgoleta.org.

This Project is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.