Books by Mail

Books by Mail is a convenient way for homebound patrons who live in the CALS service area (Pulaski and Perry counties, excluding North Little Rock) to obtain and return books, audiobooks on CD, music on CD, and DVDs by mail at no cost.

Books by Mail Service is available for individuals who live in the Central Arkansas Library System’s service area (Pulaski and Perry counties, excluding North Little Rock) and are unable to leave home because of a temporary or permanent disability. A valid library card and a completed application are required to participate.

The application must be approved by a library branch manager.

You fill out the application and an reader interest survey. The survey asks about your reading interests. We need to know your preferences to help us select the books and other materials that you like. PLEASE NOTE: Only books, audiobook and music CDs, and DVDs are available to participants of this program.

If you check “please do not select books for me,” we will only send titles you have specifically requested. We will send you two items the first time. After these initial items are returned, you may request up to four items for delivery.

When you are finished, mail the materials in the library mailing bag back to the library at no charge.

All materials checked out through the Books by Mail service are due 6 weeks after the day they are checked out. This longer loan period provides time for the materials to be delivered and returned through the mail.

The library will mail selections to you through the United States Postal Service. Materials will be sent in a reusable nylon bag that contains a pre-paid postage label. CALS fines will apply to these mailed materials if they are not received at the library by their due date. As soon as the returned materials are received, the library will mail you another selection.

This service is free to the qualified patrons of the Central Arkansas Library System who meet the requirements of the program.