Zip Books Palm Desert
ZipBooks is another way for Palm Desert Library cardholders to request books that are unavailable in our catalog or unavailable through Link+.
The book will be shipped directly to your home from Amazon Prime. After the book is returned to the Library, it will be available for other people to check out in our catalog.
This service is available to anyone with a Palm Desert Library card and living in the Palm Desert area. If you have any questions about Zip Books or the request process, please reach out to us at libraryinfo@palmdesert.gov
How to Order a Book
Step 1. Check our catalog and Amazon to see if a book is currently not available in the Library's Catalog AND available from Amazon. Also, check to make sure it meets the guidelines. Next, fill out the form at the bottom of the page.
Step 2. Fill out the ZIP Books form below.
Step 3. Within two weeks, a Library Staff member will confirm your mailing address and then process your request. This item will be checked out to your account. Most orders arrive within one week from the confirmation email. The confirmation email will also provide the due date and specific instructions on how to return the item. If your ZIP Books request is not approved, you will be notified.
Step 3. You will receive a package from Amazon Prime along with a packing slip identifying the item as a ZIP Books. Please retain this slip and return it with the item.
How to Order an E-book
Zipbooks Palace Project, where you can request the purchase of eBooks and audiobooks to add to the Palace collection:
English: https://califa.org/zipbooks-eng
Spanish: https://califa.org/zipbooks-spa
Purchases will be made weekly. You will be notified by email when the title is available for download. The rules for request are on the form and any questions you have on the Zipbooks Palace Project for eBooks and audiobooks, you can send to zipbooks@califa.org.
Guidelines
Requests are processed in the order in which they are received and may take up to three weeks.
Two zip book requests can be made per month per person.
- ZIP Book Requests Are:
- Hardcovers, Large Print Editions, and DVDs
- Books that are not currently in our collection or available through Link+
- Books in our collection but not in the desired format (e.g., Large Print)
- Available on Amazon for less than $50
- Books less than 2 years old
Textbooks, Self-Published Books, Study Guides, Test Preparation, Curriculum Materials, and any other items that do not meet the Palm Desert Library collection development guidelines will not be considered.
Requests must be available, new and in stock from Amazon for under $50
Must be a Palm Desert Library card holder in good standing
Book requests will only be mailed to Coachella Valley addresses, with a packing slip labeled “Zip Books”, you must keep the packing slip and return it with the book.
LOAN PERIOD: Books will be checked out for 21 days and cannot be renewed. If not returned within 30 days of due date or returned damaged will be charged to your account at the full cost of the item.
Zip Books must be returned to Library Staff with the Amazon packing slip to avoid getting charged for the item. Please do not return to the book drop.
The Zip Book program is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.
Frequently Asks Questions
You must be a Coachella Valley resident and have a library card in good standing with the Palm Desert Library. All ages may participate; those under 14 must have a parent/guardian’s permission to make a request. Zip Books Palm Desert will only ship to local addresses.
The Zip Books service is free.
Hardcovers, Large Print Editions, and DVDs
Books that are not currently in our collection
Books in our collection but not in the desired format (e.g., Large Print, Audiobooks)
Available on Amazon for less than $50
Within two weeks, a Library Staff member will confirm your mailing address and then process your request. This item will be checked out to your account. Most orders arrive within one week of the confirmation email. The confirmation email will also provide the due date and specific instructions on how to return the item. If your ZIP Books request is not approved, you will be notified.
You will receive a package from Amazon Prime along with a packing slip identifying the item as a ZIP Books. Please retain this slip and return it with the item
Please return the book to the Library front desk, inside the library. Zip Books may NOT be returned at a book drop.