SBPL Delivers

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What is SBPL Delivers?

SBPL Delivers is a pilot program to get 1-4 library items delivered to your door when you are not able to come to the library. Because this is a pilot program, we are limiting requests to one per person.

Who can participate?

• Anyone with a Santa Barbara Public Library Card (number starts with 2144).
• We are only able to ship to addresses in Santa Barbara, Montecito or Carpinteria (the Santa Barbara Public Library service area).
• You need to be a patron in good standing.
• We are limiting it to one delivery per person for this pilot phase.

How do I place a request?

Simply fill out one of these forms. The more details you provide, the better. Teens may choose either form. 

Adults: https://forms.gle/SdqzviJXRcaaDzGu9

Children: https://forms.gle/fBERLCm2291LMeh67

There are options to request specific titles (best to check if they are on shelf at SBPL locations first by searching in the catalog, and then, subject to availability) or a request for a librarian to curate items based on your interests. The more details you provide, the better we will be able to fulfill your request.

How do I get my books? 

• The Library will mail a package to you through USPS via Media Mail.
• Shipping is being sponsored by the Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation - for information on how to donate to support initiatives like these, visit their website.

When do I get my books?

• Please allow up to 10 business days for processing, depending on the volume of requests. 
• Media Mail estimated delivery time is 2-8 business days. 

How do I return the items?

Currently we are asking you to keep the items until the Library reopens and return them then, either in our library locations or in our book drops outside. 

What is Zip Books? 

Zip Books is an innovative alternative to traditional inter-library loan. You may request a book or an audiobook that is not available at any Santa Barbara Public Library location to be delivered to your home, free of charge. 

Which titles are eligible? 

• The title needs to be in a printed or physical audio CD format.
• The book must be available through Amazon in "Good" or "Better" condition. 
• Any book in English must cost no more than $50.00 (pre-tax). 
• Audiobooks and printed books in languages other than English such as Spanish are eligible, and must cost no more than $75 (pre-tax). 
• The publication date must be at least 6 months old. Items published less than 6 months ago or that are upcoming releases are not eligible. 

User Guidelines 

• Must be a SBPL cardholder from any of our locations in good standing -- without fines or fees over $24.99. 
• Allowed to request up to five items per month. 
• Cannot have more than five items at home at any given time. 
• When returning - items must be returned to a staff member at Central, Eastside, Montecito, or Carpinteria. Please identify it to them as a Zip Book return. 
• Zip Books deliveries take an average of 14 days to be delivered. 

Placing a Request?

A request can be made with library staff in-person, on the phone at 805-962-7653, or via email at ReferenceServices@SantaBarbaraCA.gov. 

What if my requested title does not fit the Zip Books criteria? 

If the item is located within the Black Gold Cooperative, but not any of our library locations, you may want to consider placing a hold on the item and have it sent to your local library location for your convenience.

If the item is not found within the catalog, you might want to consider placing an inter-library (ILL) request. Please note that the inter-library loan fee is $15.00 per requested item, due at the time you receive the ILL request at your local library location. 

If you would like to request a book that is not yet published, please submit your suggestion using our Purchase Suggestion form. 

Zip Books is a partnership between the California State Library and the NorthNet Library System. The project is supported in part by California Library Services Act funds.