New York Public Library

iconic lion statue sitting in front of the NYPL main branch entrance
“New York Public Library” by Victoria Pickering, via Flickr, is licensed CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Get a Library Card

To get a New York Public Library (NYPL) library card so that you can borrow both physical and digital materials, you need to go to an NYPL location to apply. Bring proof of ID and address with you.

For access to the library’s digital resources, any New York resident 13 years old or older can apply for a digital library card.

Explore the NYPL’s Collection

Search the NYPL’s catalog for books, music, and movies.

Download the NYPL’s e-reader app for free access to e-books and audiobooks.

Browse and read magazines and newspapers online for free.