#Get Library Materials Delivered to Your Home
Jacksonville Public Library now offers a FREE service that delivers books and other library materials (via the United States Postal Service) to Duval County residents who are unable to visit the Library due to a temporary or permanent disability or illness.
Available materials include regular print books, large print books, audiobooks on CD, magazines, music CDs, and DVDs. Note: We are unable to send Traveling Tales Kits or lendable technology (such as Chromebooks or hotspots) through the mail.
A Jax Library card, Duval County residence, and self-certification of a temporary or permanent disability or illness are required to apply.
Need a Library Card?
If you are a resident adult, you can apply for a library card online in as little as two minutes. After you have successfully completed the Get a Library Card online form, check your email for your library card number. Please note: While you can complete the Books-by-Mail application before obtaining your library card number, doing so may increase the time it takes to process your application.
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 or expired card, call (904) 255-BOOK.
#Getting Started
3 Ways to Apply for Books by Mail
- Complete the online Books-by-Mail Application
- Contact us by phone at (904) 255-BOOK
- Request a paper application be sent to you (or someone you know) in the mail
Select Your Service Plan
You will be asked to choose between one of two service plans.
Option 1 (self-select): Receive ONLY the library materials that you personally request (place on hold) via the convenient online catalog or by calling (904) 255-BOOK.
Option 2 (auto-select): 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 from time to time. You still have the option of placing your own holds online or over the phone.
New to the online catalog and placing holds? Learn more about our app and mobile website.
#How It Works
Instructions for New Customers
Most applications are processed within 3-5 business days. Once we process and approve your application, you will receive a welcome email (if you provided an email address with your application) or a welcome letter by mail. If, at any time, you want to check on the status of your application or you have questions about the application, you can always call us at (904) 255-BOOK.
If you selected Option 1 (self-select), you can start placing holds in the online catalog once your application has been approved.
Note: There is a "bug" in the new catalog. Until it is fixed and "US Postal Service" becomes an option again when placing a hold, you can either call us at (904) 255-BOOK to place them over the phone or you can select your own materials by clicking "Place hold" and selecting "Main Library" as your pick up location. As long as you're a registered Books by Mail customer, staff will know to manually change your holds requests to home delivery.
If you selected Option 2 (auto-select), your first delivery of librarian-selected materials will be shipped out as soon as possible. Just return those materials when you're ready to receive more.
Either way, you will receive deliveries of materials via the United States Postal Service in our convenient, reusable nylon bags.
When & How to Return Your Materials
The checkout 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). Note: You'll receive a courtesy notification in your email inbox about renewals and any items that can't be renewed.
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.
Please note: You may need to contact USPS to schedule a pickup if the bag does not fit in your mailbox. When you request a pickup, you will be required to select the package pickup location such as “On the Porch.” For residents in multi-story buildings, you may need to bring your bag to a secured location on the ground level for pickup.
#You May Also Like...
Curbside Holds Pickup
Do you have limited mobility but not sure if the Books-by-Mail service is right for you? Try our grab-and-go curbside pickup service on your next visit. You can pick up books, DVDs, and CDs that you've placed on hold - all from the comfort and convenience of your vehicle!
Curbside Holds Pickup is offered at all library locations (except Main Library).
Talking Books and Braille
Do you have difficulty reading or using printed books? The Talking Books Library loans audiobooks and magazines, along with a player, FREE by mail to persons who have difficulty reading or using printed books and other materials because of blindness or visual, physical, or reading disabilities. Talking Books customers can also request Braille books for free.
For more information or to apply, visit our Talking Books page.
#Using Your Library Card Is Easier Now Than Ever Before!
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 us at 255-BOOK or read these Tips For Using the Digital Library.
Some Digital Library apps like Libby by OverDrive come with accessibility enhancements and customizations that make it even easier to read! For more information, visit our Accessibility and Assistive Technology page.
