Service Updates

We’re updating our policies and services related to COVID-19 and we look forward to seeing you at a BPL branch soon! 

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Masks at the Library

For the health and safety of our staff and patrons, masks are encouraged inside BPL locations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated March 14, 2022

Can I come inside the library again?
Yes! Other than branches currently closed for renovations or routine maintenance, our libraries are open all across Brooklyn. You are welcome to browse, use computers and printing services, attend in-person programs and get assistance at the service desk. 

Can I use a computer?
Yes! All public computers at the branches are available for 30 minute reservations. Children and teen computers are available too! Learn more about scheduling your computer reservation. 

Is seating available?
Yes! Additionally, many of our branches provide outdoor seating. See a complete list here. 

Can I reserve a meeting room?
Yes! Meeting room reservations are available at Central Library and other branches throughout the system. Log in here to book a room in advance or call your nearest branch for more information about their meeting room availability.

Are you offering programs again?
Indoor programming has resumed. Check event listings for capacity limits and other guidelines and requirements. Indoor programs for children under five will continue to require masks for all participants two years of age and older. See a complete list of outdoor programs and explore all our Virtual Programming.

Returns, Overdue Items and Fines

I checked out materials before you closed in March 2020. Are they overdue now?
Items borrowed between January 30 to March 16, 2020 were due March 15, 2021. Please return or renew any overdue items as soon as possible. Late fines on overdue items have been cleared, but our policy on lost items is still in effect. Learn more here.

How do I return my items?
You can return borrowed materials to any open BPL location. Our locations map always has up-to-date hours information. There are also select locations with 24-hour book drops where you can return materials at any time.

Do I have late fines on my account?
No, BPL is now fine free! We've erased existing overdue fines from all BPL accounts. Fees on lost items and other library card charges are still in effect. Learn more here.

Library Cards

Who can get a library card?
Brooklyn Public Library's card is free for anyone that lives, works, pays property taxes, or attends school in New York State. NYS residents ages 13 and older may apply online for a library card. Once your application has been submitted, please visit one of the open branches. Children 12 and under may not apply online; their parent or guardian must accompany them to a branch to apply for a library card.

What’s the difference between an eCard and a full access library card?
eCards can be issued fully online, with no need to visit a branch. eCards offer immediate access to eBooks and audiobooks, our online resources and electronic databases, and Print on Demand services. Apply for an eCard here. Your eCard will expire in 1 year and will auto-renew as a courtesy due to the pandemic. Regular library cards provide all the same access as an eCard, plus the ability to place holds on physical library materials such as books, DVDs, and CDs. Apply for a physical library card here.

Can I convert my eCard into a full access BPL library card?
Yes! Visit one of our Brooklyn Public Library branches and bring a current photo ID with proof of address. For a list of other acceptable proof-of-address documents, please click here.

What if my card is expired?
If your library card has expired, you must visit a BPL location in person to renew; find open branches on our locations map. Please check your account for your expiration date.

What if I had a card but lost it?
You can get a replacement card at any open branch. Please bring a valid photo ID with your current address. For a list of other acceptable proof-of-address documents, please click here.

Online Resources

How do I access eBooks and Audiobooks?
Learn how to access digital library materials, what apps you can use, and how to put books on your eReader device on our eBook & Audiobooks webpages.

What are online resources and how do I use them?
BPL subscribes to a variety of digital databases and learning tools, with topics ranging from language learning apps to scholarly research archives. Most are fully free and accessible with your library card; start exploring here. 

Virtual Programming

Are you hosting online events?
Yes! Explore all our Virtual Programming here.

How do I sign up for an online event?
Many of our virtual programs do not require registration and can be streamed directly. All of our events are free to the public, but some do require advance registration. Simply click the online calendar listing to find out where the virtual programming is streaming or if registration is required.

Holds and Pickups

How do I know when to pick up a hold?
We will notify you by email, text message, or telephone when it is time to pick up a hold. Update your notice preference by logging into My Account and clicking on "Account Details" and then on "Contact Preference."

When can I pick up my hold?
We suggest you double-check your branch’s hours before visiting. Our locations map always has up-to-date hours information.