Library offers Zip Books program

Zip Books premiered at Riverside County Libraries on Apr. 1. Patrons who cannot find a book at the Canyon Lake Library or in the Riverside County Library catalog may consider utilizing the free Zip Books program to have the book ordered and sent to them.

Zip Books is another way to request books not owned by the Riverside Public Library. The book is shipped directly to the patron using Amazon Prime. Once delivered to the patron, the book will be recorded by the library as being checked out to the patron.

The due date will be two weeks from the date of delivery. If the book is brought back to the library late or is lost, the same fines and rules will apply as with other library items.

Zip Books must be returned in person directly to a library for staff to check in, and staff must be informed that the book is a Zip Book. Zip Books cannot be placed in the drop box because they are not yet bar-coded for the Riverside County Library System. If it goes into the book drop, the library will not be able to track it the usual way, and the patron may be charged for a lost item.

Zip Books can be renewed through the library or from an online library account, just like ordinary library items.

Zip Books service is available to anyone with a valid Riverside Public Library card. Participants must be a current Riverside County Library System card holder in good standing, with less than $5 in outstanding charges. To obtain a library card, visit the library with a photo ID and a piece of mail addressed to your home (or other proof of your California residence). Once you register for a card, you’ll be able to make a Zip Books request that same day. Only one Zip Book can be requested at a time; up to five Zip Books can be requested per month.

To get started on Zip Books, fill out the form at rivlib.com (click on the Zip Books tab) or download the form give it to a library staff member. Be sure to check the Amazon.com website beforehand to make sure the item is available.

Zip Books is a grant-funded project provided to the Riverside County Library System in partnership with the California State Library, Califa Group, and the NorthNet Library System. It is supported with both California Library Services Act and Library Services and Technology Act funds.