Reading Resources

If you didn’t find the book you were looking for in our catalog, you can place a request to suggest we purchase the item and add it to our collection. You can place requests for physical copies of books, DVDs, and Blu-Rays right from the catalog.

Learn more in SBPL's guide to suggesting books and DVDs for purchase below.

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a service that allows patrons to obtain items not available from the Library or through the Zip Books program. We can request books, journal articles, and even microfilm for patrons (but no a/v items like DVDs, Blu-rays, or books on CDs) and we only request items from libraries in the United States. 

Locating and receiving a requested item usually takes 6 to 8 weeks. Although every effort will be made, no request can be guaranteed. Patrons will be notified if their request cannot be filled. 

There is a service fee of $20.00 per item requested. We always try to borrow from libraries who lend free of charge first. If a free lending library is not available, ILL staff will contact the patron about additional lending charges prior to borrowing the item.

ILL items must be picked up at and returned to any Santa Barbara Public Library location and should be returned to a Library staff member (not in the Book Drop). Patrons are notified when the requested material is ready for pick up, and the loan period and renewal option for an ILL item is determined by the lending library.

All ILL material is subject to a $2.00 per day overdue fee. Charges for lost, damaged or stolen ILL material are subject to the lending library’s costs, rules and regulations, and are the responsibility of the borrowing patron.

Looking for your next favorite book? Can’t decide which DVD to check out next? Need a big pile of great books to get your kids through the weekend? Book Match is for you. 

Fill out a short form and an SBPL Librarian will curate a selection of titles specifically for you based on your interests and what you’d like to read right now. 

Did you know that you can find themed lists created by SBPL librarians right in our catalog? Whether you’re looking for staff favorites, past Library Book Club selections, novels in verse for teens, or a selection of tractor books for your toddler, there’s a list for that.

NoveList Plus - For help looking for your next good read, questions for your book club discussion, award winners, author read-alikes, and more. NoveList has over 25 librarians on staff, plus other contributing librarians, creating its content. This database is provided by EBSCO (if you are not in a library location, you will need to also enter your library card number to access it).

BookConnections.org - A collection of literary resources for children and young adults, including book lists, author readings, book trailers, supplemental resources, and more.