Origami USA Lending Library

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the OUSA Lending Library?

The OUSA Lending Library is a service for OUSA members, that loans books of origami diagrams through U.S. Mail.

What does the Lending Library collection include?

The collection consists primarily of out-of-print, English language books of origami diagrams.  The collection also includes a small number of books in other languages, including Japanese, Spanish, and Italian.

The link to View the Collection provides detailed information on available items.

How do I find diagrams for a specific model?

The OUSA Lending Library site lists specific publications available for loan. It does not index the contents of those items.

Where possible, the Collection List links to Dennis Walker's Origami Database, or to scanned images of a book's Tables of Contents (TOC) and cover.

Use the Origami Database to search for information on diagrams by name, designer, or publication.

Links to the Origami Database are used with permission. OUSA is not responsible for the accuracy of information in the Origami Database.

Who may borrow from the Library?

The Lending Library Service is available to OUSA members in the United States.

The service operates through the US Postal Service with prepaid postage for return shipping.  International postage rates, customs processes, and the inability to provide return postage makes the service prohibitively expensive outside the USA.

OUSA Membership must be current a minimum of 60 days past the due date of borrowed items.

Review information on / apply for Membership in Origami USA.

For how long may I keep the books?

The loan period for Lending Library books is one month.

There are no renewals.

How do I register to borrow from the collection?

Your OUSA membership benefits include use of the Lending Library. No additional registration is necessary.

How much does it cost to borrow?

The Lending Library uses a fixed fee structure to cover shipping and incidental expenses:

These charges cover costs of postage, shipping materials, return postage, and delivery tracking & confirmation.

How does the service work?

• The Lending Library website lists items in the collection.
• Use the request form on the website to select up to three books.
• Submitting the request form automatically e-mails your request to the Lending Library.
• The Lending Library will reply to your request via email within one week.
• The reply e-mail will confirm your selection(s), indicate shipping charges, and provide a direct link to PayPal for payment.
  • Requests and payment by U.S. Mail are also possible, see "How can I borrow..." below.
• When your payment is received the books are mailed to you.
  • Normally, via US Postal Service Media Mail.  (Estimated shipping time = 10 days)
  • Priority Mail is available on request for an additional $5.00 service charge.
• The mailed package includes a Due Date, pre-addressed return address envelope, and prepaid return postage.

What is PayPal?

PayPal is a secure, online payment service that processes web-based financial transactions.

It is not necessary to be pre-registered with PayPal. Click here for more information: PayPal.

How can I borrow from the collection if I don’t want to use email and PayPal?

You can also borrow from the collection using US mail. A list of available items and complete directions, including shipping charges, will be mailed to you on request. Please enclose $1.00 with your request, to cover postage.  (U.S. Postage stamps accepted)

OUSA Lending Library
P.O. Box 82400
Phoenix, Arizona 85071-2400

Still have questions?

Email the OUSA Lending Library:

OUSALibrary@gmail.com

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