The Zip Books Program Returns to the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries November 19!

Popular State Grant Expands Reading Access for Public Library Users

The Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries have received $15,840 in Zip Books Grant funds from the California State Library for the 2025-26 cycle. This beloved program has expanded access to library materials for over ten years, allowing patrons access to titles that would not typically be available in their local public libraries.

Beginning Wednesday, November 19, library cardholders of the Goleta, Buellton, and Solvang Libraries, along with the Bookvan, are eligible to request books that are not available from the Black Gold Cooperative Library System in physical formats (Regular Print, Large Print, and Audiobooks on CD). Library staff will accept requests for books under $50 and Audiobooks on CD under $75, which will be mailed directly to patrons from Amazon. Patrons must return the items to library staff within 90 days to avoid incurring any charges.

Library users are eligible to request up to two titles per month and can receive a maximum of six titles per grant period, or until the funds run out. Patrons can request their Zip Books by contacting library staff at any of our four locations, in-person or by phone (see list below), rather than completing a form online. Staff will ensure that the materials meet program requirements before submitting your request.

“We are thrilled to once again provide this avenue to accessibility thanks to the Zip Books Program and the California State Library,” said City Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo. “This grant program helps us meet our library patrons where they are, connecting them directly with invaluable information and resources.”

The Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Library staff look forward to assisting you with your Zip Books requests!

Goleta Valley Library Express

6500 Hollister Avenue, Suite 105

Goleta, CA 93117

805-964-7878

 Bookvan

Check calendar for rotating stops (in-person only)

Buellton Library

202 Dairyland Road
Buellton, CA 93427
805-688-3115

Solvang Library

1745 Mission Drive
Solvang, CA 93463
805-688-4214

This Zip Books Project is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library. New this year for digital library users, the California State Library is also offering Zip Books requests to add eBooks and eAudiobooks to the Palace Project free library app. Unlike the Zip Books program offered through Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries, library users can place their requests directly through the statewide Zip Books Palace Project Form for eBooks & eAudiobooks, administered by California State Library staff.