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Get a Library Card!

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Apply for a Library Card

Any person who lives, works, attends school or pays property taxes in New York State is eligible to receive a New York Public Library card free of charge. 

Adult and teen users may either apply online or in person at any New York Public Library location or Library-sponsored event. Applications for children ages 11 and under must be completed in person, and require the signature of a parent or guardian.

When you apply for a card online, you will receive a 7-digit temporary barcode. This allows you to set a PIN, place circulating items on hold or submit requests for research items from offsite storage. To receive your permanent barcode, which is required to borrow materials, download eNYPL content, search Library databases, or reserve a computer, you must validate your card. See the next section for information about validating your card. 

Apply Online

Renew or Validate Your Card

All adult, teen and child library cards for cardholders in the NY Metro area and NY State expire and must be renewed every three years. New library card applicants who applied for a card online must validate their card before full cardholder privileges can be extended.

Cardholders in the New York Metropolitan Area (the five boroughs, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester Counties) must visit any New York Public Library location to present the required forms of identification in order to renew or validate their card.

Cardholders from areas of NY State outside of the Metro NY area may email scans or copies of the required forms of identification to patronaccounts@nypl.org. Alternatively, this information may be faxed to (212) 621-0278.

Eligibility for renewal and information on the renewal process may be found here.

Forgot Your Pin?What's This?

Users who have not yet registered with Bibliocommons may change or request their new PIN through the Classic Catalog. The new PIN will be sent to the email address on file for the library account.

Reset Your PIN

If you have not have provided us with a valid email address, you may visit a Library location with valid identification, and a staff member will reset your PIN for you. Users who have not yet created a PIN must request a PIN from a library staff member and must provide valid identification. Your PIN cannot be changed or confirmed by phone, email or chat.

Replace a Lost or Stolen Card

Cardholders are responsible for all items on their card, all use made of their card and all charges made against it until it is lost or stolen.  If your card is lost or stolen, it is very important that you inform the library immediately.  You have three ways of notifying the library of a lost or stolen card: Call 917-ASK-NYPL (917-275-6975), email Ask NYPL, or visit to your nearest library to report the card lost.

Email Ask NYPL

Manage Your Account Online

Once you have registered for a card, you will be able to manage many of your account details online. Some changes to your library account, such as an update to your mailing address or date of birth, must be made in person. 

Both New York Public Library catalog interfaces, Bibliocommons and Classic Catalog, allow you to:

  • view and renew eligible on-loan items
  • place holds
  • select or change a preferred pickup location
  • pay fines
  • update your email address or telephone number
  • change your PIN
  • view important messages from the Library about your account
  • check the expiration date of your card

More information about managing your library account in Bibliocommons can be found here.

Log in to Bibliocommons

More information about managing your library account in Classic Catalog can be found here.

Log in to Classic Catalog

What is a Personal Identification Number (PIN)?

For certain library services, such as reserving a computer or logging in to your account online, you may be asked to enter both your library card number and your PIN.

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