Lodi Picks - FAQ

What can I request? 

Most books are eligible for Lodi Picks requests. The book must meet the criteria below. 

A Lodi Pick in print form must be 

• Any item not already available within the Lodi Public Library catalog
• In stock on Amazon Prime
• Cost $50.00 or less before taxes
• Publication date must be 6 months or older
• Not on the NY best seller list
• Not out of print

Audiobooks on CD are eligible if they are

• An item not already available within the Lodi Public Library catalog
• In stock on Amazon Prime
• Cost $75.00 or less
• Publication date 6 months or older
• Not on the NY best seller list
• Not out of print

DVDS, music CDs, digital audiobooks (e.g. mp3 or iTunes), and eBooks (including Kindle books) are not eligible to be requested through the Zip Books program.

We expect to fulfill the vast majority of Lodi Picks requests, but success is not guaranteed. Approval will depend on available funds, the availability of the item on Amazon.

Please check the Amazon.com site beforehand to make sure the item is available. We will contact you if we are unable to fulfill the request or if it does not meet the criteria.

How does Lodi Picks work?

You can  request up to twenty five items per person, per month. This is a combination of items in the library catalog and Lodi Picks. Items must be returned three weeks after the delivery date, if not renewed (renewal limit is three times). 

To avoid loss or theft, we encourage you to enter a delivery address where someone will be present to accept the package during the working day. This could be a home or business address, or a P.O. box.

If you don't receive your Lodi Pick order within two weeks, please email us at Lodipicks@Lodi.gov If it arrives damaged, email us to avoid being charged.

How do I return my Lodi Pick?

When you have finished with a Lodi Pick item, DO NOT place it in a book drop! Because it comes directly from Amazon.com, the item will not yet be bar-coded for the Lodi Public Library. If it goes into the book drop, we will not be able to track it the usual way, and you may be charged for a lost item.

You must return the book in person directly to a library employee at the branch and tell them “This is a Lodi Pick.”

Is there a fee to order a Lodi Pick?

If you return your Lodi Pick item on time you will pay absolutely nothing. If it is late or lost, the same fines and rules will apply as with other library items.

Who can request a Lodi Pick item?

To participate, you must be a current Lodi Public Library card holder in good standing, with less than $14.99 or less than 90 days in outstanding charges.

If you don't have a current Lodi library card, visit the branch with a photo ID and a piece of mail addressed to your home (or other proof of your California residence). Once you register for a card, you'll be able to make a Lodi Pick request that same day.

What if my requested title does not fit the Lodi Pick’s criteria?

If the item is not found within the Lodi library catalog, you might want to consider placing an interlibrary loan (ILL) request. Talk to library staff for more information. If you'd like to request a book that is not yet published, please submit your suggestion to the Managing Librarian, Elyse Coleman at ecoleman@lodi.gov

Sounds great! How do I get started on Lodi Picks?

To make a request, fill out the downloadable form (Click here to download form) and give it to a library staff member, or fill out the online form (Click here to fill out the Google form). Make sure to fill out the form completely, including your email address. If you need help identifying the ISBN for an item, ask library staff for assistance. Both forms are available in English and Español. (Ambos formularios están disponibles en inglés y español.)