An NYPL library card allows you to do more than simply borrow books and
other materials. You can also use your card to access our online databases
from home. There
are two different library cards used at The New York Public Library: a Branch
Libraries Card is needed to borrow circulating items, use online databases
from home and renew or reserve books. An ACCESS card is used to request materials
in any of the readings rooms of the Research Libraries.
The Branch Libraries - Circulating Collections
The Research Libraries - Non-Circulating Collections
Do I need a library card to use the collections of The
New York Public Library?
You will need a Branch Libraries' card only if you wish
to borrow materials from our branches or use the online
databases on this website from outside the Library. You do not need
a card for onsite use of any of our 85 neighborhood or central libraries.
Library cards are encouraged but not required to sign up for time on
a personal computer. Please ask a librarian about guest cards.
To request collection materials in any of the reading rooms of the Research Libraries, you are required to present an ACCESS card. Collections of the Research Libraries are for onsite use only.
You may also use the ACCESS card to save searches in CATNYP, The Research Libraries’ online catalog, and to use online databases from outside the Library.
How much does a library card cost?
A Branch Libraries' card is free to anyone who lives, works,
pays property taxes, or attends school in New York State. Others may apply,
with payment of a $100 annual fee, for a nonresident library card.
ACCESS cards from the Research Libraries of The New York Public Libraries
are free to all researchers, regardless of their place of residency. A
replacement fee may be charged for lost cards.
How do I get a library card?
Get your Branch Library card at any of our circulating libraries in
Manhattan, Staten Island or the Bronx [to find a library see Library
Hours and Locations].
Adults who qualify for a free Library card
may apply online by submitting a completed Branch
Libraries Card application. Your application will be processed and the card will be
mailed to the
address you have provided within two weeks.
To register at a Branch Library, adults must present current, traceable
identification that includes both name and address, but not necessarily
on the same document; for example, a driver's license, rent receipt,
utility bill, apartment lease, or letter on letterhead stationery from
a shelter for the homeless.
Teenagers who are in the seventh grade and up or are age
12 or older must present identification that indicates their grade
levels or ages; for example, a program card, report card, birth certificate,
or a letter from a teacher on school stationery.
Children, birth through age 11, may receive a library card. Children may be present to receive their cards, but their presence is not required. Their applications must be signed and completed by a parent or guardian.
To apply for a Research Libraries' ACCESS card, see
the Access
Card information page, or pick up a paper application at any
Research Library. General researcher cards with a three year expiration
date
are available to all applicants 18 years of age and older who can present
photo identification with proof of name and address, preferably a
photo
driver's license or state identification card.
Young researchers, those under 18 years of age, may request an interview
with a librarian and receive an ACCESS card if it is determined that
the Research Libraries' collections hold appropriate material to meet
the researchers’ needs. These cards have a 6 month expiration
date. School ID is required.
A temporary, non-renewable card, is available for researchers who do
not have appropriate ID on the day of their visits. This 3-day card
can be converted to a General card upon presentation of identification.
Each Research Library has a desk where ACCESS cards can be obtained.
How can I get a nonresident library card?
Adults who do not qualify for a free library card may complete and
print the Branch Libraries
card application and mail it to the address
on the online form with a check in the amount of $100.
ACCESS cards from the Research Libraries of The New York
Public Libraries are free to all researchers, regardless of their place
of residency. A replacement fee may be charged for lost cards.
What is a PIN and how to do I get one?
A PIN is a 4 digit number that provides an extra level
of security when using your library card to reserve books, renew items
by phone, or look up your personal information in the Catalog.
You will be asked to choose a PIN when you register for
your Branch Library card. If you do not remember choosing one, try using
the last 4 digits of your telephone number. If this number does not
work, please visit any branch library so that staff can enter a PIN
into the computer for you.
Please contact ils@nypl.org for
questions about your Research Libraries' ACCESS card or about a forgotten
PIN for the CATNYP catalog.
What should I do if I lose my library card?
Report the loss at once to any branch library, by
phone, in person, or email ils@nypl.org. You are responsible for materials taken out with the
card until the card is reported lost or stolen. A small fee is charged
for a new card.
Please contact an ACCESS desk or email ils@nypl.org
to report a lost or stolen card. A replacement fee may be charged for
lost cards.
