Get Books By Mail
Do you live far away from campus? Unable to pick up your library books? We can mail them to you! Once you've registered, just request delivery via Books By Mail directly from the library catalog, and we'll ship them to your off-campus home address. The library pays for the outbound shipment. You’ll be responsible for return shipping, or you can return materials to any library circulation desk or book drop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question of your own? Email us!
Who is eligible to use Books By Mail?
Current students, faculty, and staff in the United States and Canada.
How much does it cost?
The library will ship books at no cost to you. You must pay for the return shipment via insured carrier such as USPS, UPS or Federal Express. Alternatively, you can return the books to the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center for no additional cost.
How do I request delivery?
Once your registration is approved, you may request materials by using the Books By Mail request option in the library catalog. Only materials from circulating collections, and only those with the status "Available" may be requested using Books By Mail.
Are there any delivery restrictions?
The library will send materials via insured carrier UPS to a street address only, not a P.O. box. Buildings and residences on Penn's campus are not eligible for Books By Mail delivery.
How do I return books received via Books By Mail?
You can mail books back to the following address at your own expense:
Van Pelt Circulation
University of Pennsylvania Libraries
3420 Walnut Street
Philadelphia PA 19104-6206
You may also return materials at no cost to any library circulation desk, or to the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center Library ground floor book drop next to the the Rosengarten Undergraduate Study Center entrance.
What other policies should I know about?
Participants in Books By Mail are subject to the same loan policies and fine rates as other users on campus. Users who become delinquent, whether through fine blocks, overdue recalled blocks, or other reasons, will be unable to access the request menu to request delivery. Users must observe due dates, renewing or returning materials on time (including shipping time), and must return recalled items promptly.