Zip Books: Physical Books Request
Zip Books is another way for you to request books not owned by the Riverside Public Library. The item is shipped directly to you using Amazon. After it is returned, the Library can add the item to its collection for others to check out. This service is available to anyone with a valid Riverside Public Library card. There are no fees for requests. 2 items per person for the month.
Types of Materials
Acceptable Zip Books titles are:
- Hardbacks, paperbacks, large print, or CD audiobooks.
- Available on Amazon for less than $50 ($75 for foreign language and CD audiobooks) including tax and shipping.
- Not currently on the New York Times Best Sellers List.
- Textbooks, test preparation, and study guides will only be purchased if they are in agreement with Riverside Public Library's collection development practices.
- Not currently in the Library’s catalog. A request can be made for a title already owned by the Library if the request is for a format that is not in the collection, e.g., large print.
Loan Period
All Zip Books are on loan for a 2-week period (14 days) starting on the day they are delivered and can be renewed up to three times. Zip Books cannot be re-requested at check-in. Books more than six weeks overdue are charged to the customer’s account for the full purchase price.
Submitting a Zip Books Request
Step 1: Fill out the Zip Books Request Form.
Step 2: Zip Book requests are processed in the order they are received. Once this survey is submitted, it may take up to three (3) weeks before the order is processed. At that time, you will receive an email from library staff to update you on the status.
Step 3: Keep the item for up to two weeks, plus three renewals. When you are finished, return item to a staff member at any Riverside Public Library during open hours (Please do not return to a book drop.)
Zip Books: eBooks for All (Palace App)
The California State Library grant-funded program, eBooks for All, has ended and requests are no longer being accepted to add additional eBooks and eAudiobooks to The Palace Project app. However, digital content to check out is still available on the Palace app, as well as through other Riverside Public Library eBook platforms. Zip Book requests for physical books and audiobooks can also still be submitted through the Riverside Public Library Zip Books program (see above).
If you would like to suggest an eBook or eAudiobook be considered for purchase, please contact any Riverside Public Library location. While we cannot guarantee that all suggestions will be purchased, your recommendation may be considered as part of our collection development process.