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Need Something Else?

Interlibrary Loans

Interlibrary loans allow you to borrow materials from libraries outside of the Long Beach Public Library system, for a fee.

Interlibrary loans are a great option when looking for:

  • Physical books that Long Beach Public Library doesn't own
  • Out-of-print titles
  • Academic textbooks
  • Journals and newspapers
  • Music scores

We cannot use interlibrary loans to request:

  • Materials available at the Long Beach Public Library
  • DVDs
  • Videos
  • Music CDs
  • eBooks and other digital media

There is a $5, nonrefundable fee for each interlibrary loan request, plus postage and lending library fees, when applicable.

The lending library's fee will vary. Long Beach Public Library does not know the amount until after a request is placed. If the amount is over what you are willing to spend, we will cancel the request for you.

Contact any of our library locations to make an interlibrary loan request.

Zip Books

Zip Books is suspended until additional funding is approved by the California State Library. You can still make requests, but we will not be able to fulfill them until funds are secured.

If you want a title the Library doesn't own, request it through the free Zip Books program! The item is shipped directly to you using Amazon. Available for free to all LBPL cardholders with fines under $20.

Zip Books is a statewide project funded by the California State Library.

  • Any LBPL patron in good standing (no lost or damaged items on their account) may request a Zip Book.
  • The item must be available from Amazon (not an affiliated seller) as a book, large print book, or audiobook on CD.
  • The title in the format requested must not already be in the Library catalog, on order for the Library, or not yet published.
  • The cost of the item must be under $50.
  • The item cannot be published by a small or vanity press.
  • The item can't be a fiction bestseller.
  • Non-fiction titles need to have been published within the last 3 years.

  1. Request an eligible item and keep it as long as you'd like.
  2. Return your undamaged item to a staff member at any of our locations and let them know it’s a Zip Book item.
  3. Patrons can request up to 5 items per month. Only 1 request is allowed at a time.

Zip Books cannot be returned in the book drop. They must be handed to a library staff member with notification that it is a Zip Book. If a Zip Book item is not properly returned or returned damaged, you may be ineligible for future Zip Book requests.

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 you can 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 as long as you want! When you are finished, return item to a staff member at any of our locations during open hours.