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2026-2027 Zip Books

Grantor:
CA State Library
Portal ID:
164850
Status:
Closed
Open Date:
4/22/26 00:00
Opportunity Type:
  • Grant
Last Updated:
 | 
Categories:

Details

Purpose:

The Zip Books program provides library users with access to books that are not available at their local libraries. A patron requests the item, the library purchases it from qualified vendor, and the book is shipped to the patron’s home. The patron returns the book to the library, and the library adds it to the collection. Because Zip Books is a user-driven program, the library collection becomes more closely matched to the needs of the community.

Description:

The Zip Books program is an alternative model for interlibrary loan service that bridges the gaps between a library’s patron request service, a normal acquisitions process, and an outreach/home delivery service. It is based on a project called “Zip Books—Digital Library of Northern California,” conducted by the Butte, Shasta, and Humboldt County Libraries under a FY 2011/12 LSTA grant from the California State Library. The Zip Books program is currently supported with California Library Services Act funds from the state of California.

Under the Zip Books program, patrons request books that the library does not own. The library then orders the book from Amazon, and the book is shipped directly to the patron’s home. When the patron is finished with the book, the book is returned to the library and added to the collection.

Please note, the recently passed state budget does not contain money for the Zip Books program. The State Library is unable to award grants to libraries that applied for funds for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. We want to express our appreciation for the time and effort your library team put into your 2026-2027 Zip Books applications. 

If you have any questions, please contact Reed Strege, Library Programs Administrator, at reed.strege@library.ca.gov.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible Applicants:

  • Public Agency

The only eligible applicants are California public libraries. A public branch library should apply to participate through its jurisdiction, not as a specific location within the jurisdiction.

Eligible Geographies:

This opportunity is for public libraries in California.

Important Dates

The date (and time, where applicable) by which all applications must be submitted to the grantmaker. Time listed as “00:00” equates to midnight.
The date on which the grantor expects to announce the recipient(s) of the grant.
July 2026
The length of time during which the grant money must be utilized.
07/01/26-08/31/27

Funding Details

The total projected dollar amount of the grant.
$800,000
A single grant opportunity may represent one or many awards. Some grantors may know in advance the exact number of awards to be given. Others may indicate a range. Some may wish to and wait until the application period closes before determining how many awards to offer; in this case, a value of “Dependent” will display.
Dependent
Grant opportunities representing multiple awards may offer awards in the same amount or in varied amounts. Some may wish to wait until the application period closes before determining per-award amounts; in this case, a value of “Dependent” will display.
Dependent
Certain grants require that the recipient(s) provide a letter of intent.
No
Certain grants require that the recipient(s) be able to fully or partially match the grant award amount with another funding source.
No
The funding source allocated to fund the grant. It may be either State or Federal (or a combination of both), and be tied to a specific piece of legislation, a proposition, or a bond number.
  • State

Funding Source Notes:

This project was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.

The manner in which the grant funding will be delivered to the awardee. Funding methods include reimbursements (where the recipient spends out-of-pocket and is reimbursed by the grantor) and advances (where the recipient spends received grant funds directly).
  • Advances & Reimbursement(s)

Funding Method Notes:

A typical payment schedule is as follows: 90% upon execution of the agreement and the State Library’s receipt of the awardee’s claim form; and 10% upon receipt and approval of the final reports. It may take up to 8 weeks to receive a check after the claim form is processed.

How to Apply

State agencies/departments recommend you read the full grant guidelines before applying.

Resources

For questions about this grant, contact:
1-916-603-7159, zipbooks@library.ca.gov

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