Request Interlibrary Loan

Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a service that allows cardholders to borrow books, microfilms and other materials not available at our library, from other libraries in the United States. This service is free, however, if the lending institution charges a fee, the fee will be passed onto the borrower. Items may take a number of weeks to arrive and may have a shorter lending period.  

To request an Interlibrary Loan

• Please speak to staff to request an ILL and staff will determine whether they will be able to borrow the item for you or not
• Patrons may request up to 3 total ILLs (and 3 Zip Books) per month
• Any physical item or article photocopies may be requested - no digital formats may be requested
• Items that the library owns will not be requested via ILL
• Titles must be published at least one year prior to request

Zip Book (this service will end on June 30, 2026)

Zip Books are an alternative to ILL. Under the Zip Books program, the library will order the item from Amazon and have it shipped directly to the patron’s home. Books will arrive with a gift receipt which must be returned to the library with the book. Appropriate items will be added to the library collection when returned. Zip Books should be returned in person to the front desk within three weeks of delivery.

To request a Zip Book

• Speak to staff to request a Zip Book and staff will determine whether ILL or Zip books are the best method to satisfy patron requests
• Patrons may request up to 3 total Zip Books (and 3 ILL) per month
• Only books may be requested
• Items that the library owns will not be purchased through Zip Books
• Books must be published at least one year prior to Zip request
• Price limit of $50 per book
• Zip Books should be returned in person to the front desk within three weeks of delivery

eBooks and eAudiobooks Through Zip Book Program (New in 2025)

• eBooks and eAudiobooks can be requested for purchase through the State Library's Zip Book program
• eBooks and eAudiobooks requested here will appear in the Palace Project app (NOTE: items cannot be purchased on other platforms, e.g. Overdrive)
• Check if the title is already available for checkout or for hold in The Palace Project app. If not, check to see if the title is available for purchase from the Palace Marketplace
• Request an eBook or eAudiobook using one of these links
  English: https://califa.org/zipbooks-eng
  Spanish: https://califa.org/zipbooks-spa
• Items will be purchased on Wednesdays and requestors will be notified when the title is available
• Note, this project is managed by Califa