The California State Library administers the Zip Books Program to provide public library patrons with rapid access to books that are not available through their local libraries. Under this program, requested books are purchased from Amazon and shipped directly to the patrons' homes. After reading, patrons return the books to the library, which then adds the books to its collection.
All California public libraries are eligible to apply for the program. In the case where the total funding requested exceeds the amount available, priority is given to libraries that serve rural communities, have a high California Poverty Measure, or a low Library Income Per Capita (LIPC) level. However, even libraries that receive little or no funding are encouraged to participate in the Zip Books community through resource sharing and practice exchanges. Libraries not awarded funding can still join the program’s email listserv.
The application process requires applicants to thoroughly read the program’s history and FAQs and submit an online application form, along with a separate Certification and Signature Page. The 2025–2026 application opens on April 28, 2025, and closes on May 28, 2025, at noon. An informational session will be held on May 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Award notifications will occur in July 2025, with the grant program period running from July 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026. Awards are contingent upon the passage of the California State Budget.
Libraries can request up to $35,000 for purchasing tangible format books. While there is no required match, it is expected that participating libraries dedicate staff time to administer the program. Participating libraries must also meet several expectations, including adding 85 percent of the purchased materials to their collections, participating in four community of practice sessions, monitoring project spending, and submitting narrative and financial reports that detail activities, expenditures, outputs, and outcomes.
Libraries are expected to provide information such as the number of patrons served, the number of books requested and fulfilled, success stories, and lessons learned. Records related to project spending must be maintained and made available for review if necessary. Questions about the program can be directed to the Zip Books team at the California State Library.
