Get a Library Card

eCard

New York state residents who do not have a Brooklyn Public Library card and would like access to the Library's eBook and eAudio collection may apply for an eCard. This card will give you access to the Library’s eBook and eAudio collections for 1 year. You cannot renew your eCard.

Register for an eCard and immediately receive a library barcode and PIN to begin accessing our digital collection of eBooks, audiobooks and databases.

Please note that in order for your application to go through successfully, you must allow the form to track your current location. When prompted with a message such as "disc.bklynlibrary.org wants to track your physical location", you must click on "allow once".

If you have converted your eCard into a full access library card and would like to have your holds, wishlists, checkouts, etc. transferred to your new account, please complete the Report a Replacement Card form to get started. After submitting the form, it will take approximately 1-3 business days for your activity to transfer over.

For more information about the eCard, see our eCard FAQs.

Out-of-State Residents (non-NYS residents)

Non-NYS residents may apply for a Brooklyn Public Library membership and enjoy access to our extensive selection of Articles & Databases and eBooks and eAudio. There is an annual, non-refundable $50 fee for out-of-state cardholders.

Once your application is submitted, a representative will contact you within five (5) business days with the next steps.

If you choose to pick up your library card, you may do so by visiting any one of our 59 locations and speak with a staff member. The $50.00 annual, non-refundable fee may be paid at the time of pick-up.

We currently do not accept applications from international residents at this time.

New York State Residents who will pick up a physical card when BPL reopens

Brooklyn Public Library's card is free for anyone that lives, works, pays property taxes, or attends school in New York State.

To get started, NYS residents ages 13 and older may apply online for a library card. Once your application has been submitted, please visit one of our 59 branches to pick up your card.

Children 12 and under may not apply online and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to get a library card.

Before you can use your library card, you must visit one of our library branches and validate your card within 30 days by showing a government-issued ID that includes your name and present address.

Acceptable government issued IDs include:

Current New York State Driver’s License

Current New York State Driver’s Permit

Current New York State Identification Card

Current IDNYC Municipal Card

See below for what to do if you are a New York resident with an out-of-state ID.

Young adults (ages 13 to 16) can also provide the following in lieu of the above:

Current school photo ID

Current report card

Working papers

If you do not have any of the IDs listed above, you may provide a current photo ID (e.g. passport, work ID, military ID, green card, etc.) plus proof of current NYS address that has been issued in the last 3 months (paystub, postmarked mail, utility bill). An electronic bill, rental/lease agreement, or bank statement may be used to fulfill the residency requirement*.

*Note: Post office boxes are not accepted as home addresses. Proof of residence is required.

Parents may use their government-issued ID to validate their child's library account.

New Yorkers with government-issued IDs from other states

If you live in New York State and do not have a New York State ID, you will need to bring your valid out-of-state ID and proof of New York state address that has been issued in the last three months (paystub, postmarked mail, utility bill).

If you work in New York or own property in New York and do not have a New York State ID, you will need to bring your valid out-of-state ID and proof of employment in New York, or proof of property ownership in New York.

More Information

Renewing Your Library Card

New York State Residents: Library cards expire every three years. Please bring acceptable ID to any library branch to renew your card.

Out of State Residents: Library cards expire every year. To renew your out-of-state membership, please send an e-mail to [email protected] with your library card barcode and copy of acceptable ID. A $50.00 non-refundable annual fee will be applied to your account.

eCard holders: eCards are non-renewable and will expire one year after registration.

Educator cardholders: For information on how to renew your Educator account, please visit our Educator Card page.

Reporting Your Card Lost

Any items that were borrowed and/or fees accrued prior to reporting your card lost or stolen is your responsibility. If your card is lost or stolen, please report it to a staff member at one of our branches immediately.

You may also use the "Report a Card Lost" feature on your My Account page which will temporarily disable your account from use by unauthorized users. Please note that if this feature is used, you will not be able to renew or borrowing library material (including eMaterial) until your account is rectified. Please visit your local library and speak with a staff member to unblock your account.

To replace your card, you must pay a replacement fee and show acceptable ID.