Zip Books are back!

What are Zip books?   

Zip Books is a service for you to request books and audiobooks that are not in the Commerce Library collection. The item is delivered to your home, free of charge, using Amazon Prime.  Just return the item to your local library within 3 months (90 days).

What are the requirements?

• You must have a Commerce library card with fines under $10.
• The item must be available on Amazon as a book, large print book, or audiobook on CD.
• The title in the format requested must not already be in the Library catalog.
• The cost of the item must be under $50.
• Only one Zip Book may be requested at a time. A previous Zip Book must be returned before requesting another item; no more than four requests per month.
• No textbooks, study guides, or pre-orders.
• Zip Books may be added to the library's collection if they fall under our collection development guidelines.

How can I request a Zip Book?

Request 1 item at a time and keep it for up to 3 months (90 days)! Then return your undamaged item to a staff member at any of our Commerce Library locations and let them know it’s a Zip Book item. You can request up to 4 items per month.

How do I return a Zip Book?

When returning Zip Books, they must be returned in person at any of our Commerce Library locations. Please notify staff you are returning a Zip Book. We ask that you  NOT place items in the book drop box because you may not be correctly credited for your return. Zip books should be returned within 3 months (90 days) and in good condition. Otherwise, the cost of the item will be charged to your account and you will not be able to use the service again until the fine is paid.

Make a Request

Step 1: Patrons and library staff can fill out the Zip Books Request Form.

Step 2: Library staff will contact you with updates on when to expect your item to arrive from Amazon, or to let you know if it is not available. Please contact us if you don’t receive your book by the estimated delivery date.

Step 3: Keep the item for up to 3 months (90 days)! When you are finished, return item to a staff member at any Commerce Library location during open hours.

Step 4: Request another book! Up to 4 a month.

The Zip Books project is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.