NEVADA CITY, Calif. — Zip Books, a program funded by the California State Library, is back at Nevada County Libraries, offering an innovative alternative to traditional interlibrary loan for items not available in the local collection. Through the Zip Books program, library cardholders can request books or audiobooks published within the last 20 years, from 2005 through 2025, to be delivered directly to their home at no cost.
“It’s a great way to invite direct public input into building our collection,” said Leslie Vera, library technician for the Nevada County Library. Once the item is returned, library staff will review it for possible inclusion in the library’s permanent collection, making it available for other Nevada County Library cardholders to borrow and enjoy. Books published in 2025 are not eligible for the Zip Books program.
Palace Project
This year, the California State Library expanded the Zip Books program to include purchase requests for the Palace Project’s California Bookshelf. The Palace Project is a mobile app for ebooks and audiobooks, similar to the Libby and Hoopla platforms already offered by Nevada County Library.
Through the California Bookshelf, the California State Library provides free access to more than 300,000 titles for all California residents. If a desired title is not available through the Palace Project app, users may submit a Zip Books purchase request to have the item considered for inclusion.
Requests can be submitted through the purchase request form on the Nevada County Library website. Items that meet collection guidelines and are not currently available will be added to the statewide collection, allowing the requesting user and readers across California to access and enjoy the title.
How to Request a Zip Book
To request a Zip Books purchase in print or digital format, visit nevadacountyca.gov/library or stop by any Nevada County Library location to complete a paper request form. Library staff are available to answer questions, assist with requests, and help patrons discover the many resources and services available through their library account.
For more information about this program and other library services, visit https://nevadacountyca.libcal.com or call 530-265-7050. Don’t forget to follow Nevada County Library on Instagram and Facebook for the latest program updates.