To request that the library purchase an item, visit the My Account page, log in and click “Purchase Request” at the top of the page. 

Complete the Make a Request form. Pro tip: the optional Source field may be used to send a note to staff about the request. 

The materials selection criteria in the library’s Collection Development Policy apply to purchase requests.

Items that were released within the past year are more likely to be considered for purchase. Older items are usually available through LINK+ within a week or two. 

Try interlibrary loan for hard-to-find or academic materials. 

Authors 

Self-published books that fit the library’s scope and meet the selection criteria may be added to the library’s collection. Authors who would like to donate a copy of their work to the library may do so. 

• Donated items become the property of the library. Review copies are not accepted. 

• Donating a book does not guarantee it will be added to the collection. Books that are not added are passed to the Friends of the Carlsbad Library to be sold in a Friends Bookstore. Sale proceeds directly benefit the library. 

• Due to the number of submissions received, staff are unable to notify authors of the decision. 

Qualifying authors based in San Diego County are encouraged to consider participating in the annual Local Author Fair.