Books by Mail

Books and CDs inside a blue reusable nylon bag

# Get Library Materials Delivered to Your Home

# Eligibility

Jacksonville Public Library offers a FREE service that delivers library materials to Duval County residents who cannot come to the library due to temporary or permanent disability or illness.

Available materials include regular print books, large print books*, audiobooks on CD, magazines, music CDs and DVDs. We are unable to send Traveling Tales Kits or lendable technology (such as Chromebooks or hotspots) through the mail.


*Please note: Individuals who have difficulty reading or using printed books and other materials because of blindness, or visual, physical or reading disabilities can qualify to use our Talking Books service by filing a "Certification of Eligibility" form. 

For more information or to apply, visit our Talking Books page.


# Need a Library Card?

A library card and Duval County residence are required to apply.

If you are a resident adult, you can apply for a library card online. After you've completed the form, check your email for your library card number.

If you are a minor (under 18 years old), an adult must sign for you. They will be responsible for any items you borrow. Additionally, your parent or other adult/caregiver must visit the library to apply in person and bring one piece of identification for each of you.

For more information and acceptable forms of ID, read our Customer Accounts and Privileges Policy.

For questions about an existing account, call (904) 255-2665.


# 3 Ways to Apply for Books by Mail

  1. Complete the online Books by Mail Application
  2. Contact us by phone at (904) 255-2665.
  3. Request a paper application be sent to you (or someone you know) in the mail.

# Selecting Your Service Plan

You will be asked to choose between one of two service plans.

Option 1: You will receive ONLY the library materials that you request (place on hold) via the online catalog or by calling (904) 255-2665.

Option 2: You will automatically receive materials selected for you (based on your reading preference) by library staff or volunteers. You can indicate your preferred formats, genres, and favorite types of books, DVDs, music, and more during the application process. Note: To protect your privacy, we cannot keep a log of your previous checkouts. There is a possibility you may receive a duplicate title. You still have the option of placing your own holds or providing feedback on the items you receive by calling (904) 255-2665.

# How It Works

Once we process and approve your application, you will begin receiving deliveries of materials via the United States Postal Service in our convenient, reusable nylon bags. 

The check-out period is for three weeks (with an additional grace period of six days to allow for time in the mail). Items that are eligible for renewal will be automatically renewed three days before the due date (up to five times). You'll receive a courtesy notification in your email inbox about renewals and any items that can't be renewed.

Books by Mail reusable nylon bag, with address card showing

When you are done with your items and ready for your next shipment, place them back into the reusable nylon bag and flip the card on the front pocket to the side with the Library’s address. Postage is paid both ways, so there’s no cost to you. 

Note: You may need to contact USPS to schedule a pickup if the bag does not fit in your mailbox.


# Stress-Free Borrowing

Did you know? Jacksonville Public Library is now overdue fine free! That means there are no overdue fines for materials borrowed and returned to Jacksonville Public Library. If you get a little off schedule, don't worry. We've got your back! Borrowed materials still have due dates and lost or damaged items still incur replacement fees. This just gives you a little cushion when things don’t go as planned.

# Download Books, Movies, and More to Your Favorite Devices

Want more than five books or movies at a time? If you have access to a computer, smartphone, or e-book reader, you can also use your library card to access our digital collections.  For more information, call 255-2665 or read these Tips For Using the Digital Library.

 

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