Your library card is your key to the resources and services of The New York Public Library, with locations in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. In addition to borrowing library materials, your card allows you to reserve a computer, download digital media, search hundreds of electronic databases, and more.

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The application form is for new applicants and cardholders who wish to replace a lost library card (a $1 card replacement fee applies). You may also visit any library location and fill out a paper application form.

Are you only interested in borrowing e-books and a resident of New York State? Get NYPL's new e-reader app, available on the App Store or Google Play.

Has your library card expired? If you live in the metro area, you will need to visit a library location to renew your card. Non-metro users can email Patron Account Management at patronaccounts@nypl.org with a copy of their photo ID and proof of address. Questions? Call 917-229-9676.

When you apply for a card, any pre-existing records you may have will merge with your new record. You remain responsible for any associated fines or overdue items.

By submitting an application, you understand and agree to our Cardholder Terms and Conditions. You may also review the NYPL Privacy Policy.

Learn more about getting a library card

How does the application process work?

New York City residents (within the 5 boroughs) & non-residents who work or attend school in NYC

Submit the online application form, then visit a library location to validate and pick up your card.

library location to validate and pick up your card. Bring photo identification and current proof of address. View our list of accepted documents.

list of accepted documents. Present your temporary barcode number and valid identification at a library public service desk to complete the application process.

New York State residents (outside of NYC)

If you meet the eligibility requirements, a library card will be mailed within 4 weeks to the address you provide.

eligibility requirements, a library card will be mailed within 4 weeks to the address you provide. This card will remain active for a limited time (no more than 3 months) and must be validated before use. To validate you will need to provide photo id and proof of address. Please wait until you have received your card in the mail before providing validating identification to our Patron Accounts Management team at patronaccounts@nypl.org or fax 212-621-0278.

If it is not readily apparent that you live, work, attend school, or pay property taxes in New York State (if the home address on your application is not in New York State), you must provide proof of eligibility before a card may be mailed. Please send this documentation, as well as the temporary card number issued at the time you apply, to patronaccounts@nypl.org or fax to 212-621-0278.

If you do not live, work, attend school or pay property tax in New York State and are visiting the library and seeking temporary cardholder privileges, apply online. Later, you can validate and pick up your card in person. Privileges will be granted for a period of 3 months.

What do I need to know if I am a… ?

Child borrower

Children are not required to be present for a parent or guardian to receive their library cards.

A parent or guardian must sign a child’s application form. If a parent/guardian is not present, children must take home the application for completion and signature. When completed, parent/guardian must present valid identification/address verification on behalf of the child.

On the application, parents/or guardians determine whether their child may borrow all library materials or only juvenile materials.

Children under the age of 13 cannot register for library cards online .

Parents/guardians are responsible for their childrens’ lost or damaged materials.

Teen borrower

Young Adults—ages 13–17 or are in the 7th–12th grade—must present identification that indicates their grade level or age in order to apply for a library card. (A parent/guardian may verify his/her child's age in the absence of identification.)

Young Adult borrowers have access to the same library materials as adult borrowers.

Parents/guardians of teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 may be given information about overdue materials only , upon presentation of the youth’s library card barcode number, printed overdue notice, or personal identification that confirms that the adult is the youth’s parent/guardian.

Educator borrower

Learn more about our Educator Cards, available to Educators employed at Pre-K-12 schools as well as staff employed at daycares, camps, after-schools, and homeschooling parents.

Research borrower

Through the Manhattan Research Library Initiative (MaRLI) program, NYPL cardholders with a demonstrable research need may borrow select NYPL general research materials usually reserved for on-site use as well as access to borrow materials unavailable at NYPL from NYU and Columbia.

Participation in MaRLI allows for 120 day, non-renewable loans on select library materials available at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Science Industry and Business Library, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building.

Learn more about eligibility requirements and borrowing materials.

Print disabled borrower

Residents in New York City and Long Island who have difficulty reading standard printed materials and meet the eligibility requirements can participate in a books-by-mail program that delivers thousands of recorded and braille titles postage-free.

eligibility requirements can participate in a books-by-mail program that delivers thousands of recorded and braille titles postage-free. Applications

Homebound borrower

This program is for individuals who live in the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island who can use regular library materials but are unable to leave their homes due to a temporary or permanent disability.

See Services for Persons with Disabilities: Books By Mail for more details.

Organizational borrower

Organizational borrowers cards are available only to organizations located in NYC’s five boroughs.

In order to receive an organizational borrower’s card, please submit a brief letter of request on organizational letterhead along with the completed application form. The authorized person who signs the application form must show identification. His/her name will be added to the record alongside the name of the organization.

Only one card will be issued to any organization. The organization will be responsible for all materials borrowed.

If the organization has a change of address or phone number, or the card is lost, please notify the library immediately.

All regulations of the New York Public Library apply to the organizational borrower’s card.

Organizational cards are valid for one year.

Brooklyn Public Library or Queens Library cardholder

Brooklyn and Queens residents are still welcome to apply for a New York Public Library card.

apply for a New York Public Library card. Additionally, as a courtesy to other New York City library users, Brooklyn Public Library and Queens Library cardholders may use their existing card, once it is linked to The New York Public Library. Visit any NYPL location in person to link your card.

any NYPL location in person to link your card. Please note that materials borrowed from The New York Public Library branches cannot be returned at the Brooklyn Public Library or Queens Library, and materials borrowed from the Brooklyn and Queens systems cannot be returned to New York Public Library locations.

IDNYC cardholder