#Books By Mail Service - Now Available!
Are you or someone you know unable to visit the library due to a temporary or permanent disability or illness? Jacksonville Public Library now offers a FREE service that delivers books and other library materials by mail to Duval County residents via the United States Postal Service.
A library card and Duval County residence are required to apply.
Available materials include:
- Regular print books
- Large print books
- Audiobooks on CD
- Print magazines
- Music CDs and DVDs
Books by Mail customers receive deliveries in our convenient, reusable nylon bags. When you're done, you simply put your items back into the same bag, flip the address card over, and give it to your postal carrier. Postage is paid both ways, so there’s no cost to you!
Note: We are unable to send Traveling Tales Kits or lendable technology (such as Chromebooks or hotspots) through the mail. As a Books by Mail customer, you have full borrowing privileges, so you still have the option of placing holds on these materials and picking them up at your local library.
3 Ways to Apply for Books by Mail
- Complete the online Books by Mail Application
- Call us at (904) 255-BOOK to apply over the phone
- Request a paper application be sent to you (or someone you know) in the mail.
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. 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. Note: You may need to contact USPS to schedule a pickup if the bag does not fit in your mailbox.
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.
Two Service Plans To Choose From
You will be asked to choose between one of two service plans.
Option 1: 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: 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.
#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.
Curbside Pickup
You can pick up books, DVDs, and CDs that you've placed on hold - all from the comfort and convenience of your vehicle! Try our grab-and-go curbside pickup service for your next pickup.
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 255-2665 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.
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.
