The Zip Book Program, funded by the California State Library, is a way to request books or books on CD, that the Library doesn’t own. It’s an innovative alternative to the traditional interlibrary loan. A request can be made for a book, a large print book, or an audiobook that is not currently available through the Carpinteria Community Library or any other libraries in the Black Gold Library System. The item is shipped directly to your home at no cost to you.
***UPDATE: We will no longer be taking Zip Book Requests as of May 29th, 2026. We are no longer taking requests because we have spent all out allotted funding from the California State Library. We hope you enjoyed this amazing service during this grant period, and thank you to all who participated!
Note: Requests for eBooks and Audiobooks through Califa are still open! You can request eBooks and Audiobooks by using the links below:
To Request an eBook or Audiobook in English: https://califa.org/zipbooks-eng
Para solicitar un libro electrónico o audiobook en Español: https://califa.org/zipbooks-spa
***UPDATE: Effective December 4th, 2025, patrons are limited to 3 Zip Book orders per grant period. This is to ensure that as many people as possible can enjoy the benefits of the program. This change will not be retroactive, so beginning December 4th, cardholders may order up to 3 Zip Books. For questions, call the library at (805) 684-4314.
To qualify for a Zip Book, the item you request must have been published more than three months ago, and must not be in our consortia’s systemwide catalog.
After enjoying your book, please return it to the library and hand it to the staff, letting them know it is a Zip Book return.
To Request an Item in Print
Please complete a Zip Book form online.
And now offering eBooks and Audiobooks!
We’re excited to announce that The California State Library, in cooperation with Califa, will be purchasing eBooks and Audiobooks as Zip Books! eBooks and Audiobooks purchased will be accessible on the Palace Project app (to read more about Palace Project, click here). The Palace Project app is currently available on iOS (iPhone) and Android.
To Request an eBook or Audiobook in English: https://califa.org/zipbooks-eng
Para solicitar un libro electrónico o audiobook en Español: https://califa.org/zipbooks-spa