ZipBooks FAQs
What can I request?
Most books are eligible for Zip requests. The book must meet the criteria below to be mailed directly to you:
- Any item not already available within your local Moreno Valley Public Library.
- In stock on Amazon Prime.
- Not out of print.
- A Print or Large Print Book that cost $50.00 or less before taxes
- An Audiobook on CD that cost $75 or less before taxes
Approval of a Zip Books delivery will depend on available funds, item availability on Amazon, and our evaluation of the title as being suitable for addition to the library collections. Title suggestions for other formats, such as DVDS, digital audiobooks (e.g. mp3 or iTunes), and ebooks (including Kindle books) cannot be purchased with Zip Book funds, but may be considered for library purchase with regular or other gift funds. We cannot deliver any titles purchased with regular or gift funds, but a hold request will be placed on it so that the requesting patron may be the first person to borrow it.
We will contact you if we are unable to fulfill the request or if it does not meet the criteria.
How does Zip Books work?
You can only request five (5) Zip Book items per patron, per month. Items not to exceed 3 renewals, and must be returned to your local Moreno Valley Public Library and handed to staff upon return.
To avoid loss or theft, we encourage you to enter a delivery address where someone will be present to accept the package during the working day. This could be a home or business address, a P.O. box, or an Amazon locker.
If you don't receive your Zip Book order within two weeks, please email us at zipbooks@moval-library.org. If it arrives damaged, email us to avoid being charged.
How do I return my Zip Book?
When you have finished with a Zip Book item, DO NOT place it in a book drop! Because it comes directly from Amazon.com, the item will not yet be bar-coded for the Moreno Valley Public Library. If it goes into the book drop, we will not be able to track it the usual way, and you may be charged for a lost item.
You must return the book in person directly to a library employee at your local branch and tell them “This is a Zip Book.
Is there a fee to order a Zip Book?
If you return your Zip Book item on time you will pay absolutely nothing. If it is late or lost, overdue fines, lost or damaged fees, and rules will apply as with other library items.
Who can request a Zip Book item?
To participate, you must be a current Moreno Valley Public Library card holder in good standing, with less than $5.00 in outstanding charges.
If you do not have a current MVPL library card, you can register for a library card online on the Moreno Valley Public Library webpage. Online/ecards (PACREG) must be converted to full service cards in order to request Zip Book items. Please visit your local library to upgrade your ecard before ordering any Zip Book items.
What if my requested title does not fit the Zip Books criteria?
If the item is located within the Moreno Valley Public Library Catalog, but not at your local branch, you may want to consider placing a hold on the item and have it sent to your local branch for your convenience. Talk to your local library staff for more information.