New York Public Library's main branch on 42nd Street
Think the library is just for books? Think again. A library card from the New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, or Queens Public Library can give you access to museums, experiences, and events around the city!
Applying for a Library Card
Any student in New York City qualifies for a library card, even if you are not a permanent resident of New York. There are three separate library systems in New York City. They are the New York Public Library (NYPL), the Brooklyn Public Library, and the Queens Public Library. For students living in Manhattan, the Bronx, or Staten Island, the NYPL card is usually the best choice. The application process consists of filling out an online form with your personal information. Then, you simply visit a library branch to verify your details with any requested identification like your student ID.
Once you have your physical library card, you can use it for three years before you need to renew it.
Checking Out Books and Other Materials
A library card gives you access to all the physical books in the hundreds of library branches across New York City. You can also access learning resources from workshops to online resources.
One of my favorite uses of my library card is Libby. It lets users check out digital materials, including e-books, audiobooks, magazines, and cookbooks, all available in various languages. Anything you check out can be read on your phone, laptop, or e-reader. I love using Libby because it makes checking out and returning books convenient. Additionally, it provides an affordable way to enjoy all the books I want.
With a library card, you can also access digital materials like Kanopy, to stream movies and TV shows, and Hoopla, to listen to music and audiobooks.
Culture Pass: Free Admission to Museums and More
Culture Pass is another fantastic resource available with a NYC library card. Cardholders can book free tickets to museums, performances, and other attractions through the Culture Pass website. They release tickets at midnight on the first of each month for the following month. And they can book up quickly! Through this program, I have enjoyed visiting the Guggenheim Museum, ice-skating at Wollman Rink in Central Park, seeing the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and more.
A library card is a great way to access and explore New York for free. While libraries are typically considered as a resource solely for books, a NYC library card offers much more than that!
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