About AskNYPL

Ask NYPL is the virtual reference service of the New York Public Library. Patrons may submit questions via phone, chat, email, and text.

Please note: By submitting a question to Ask NYPL you understand and agree that your question and the answer we provide may be posted on our website or used for other Library-related purposes. NYPL may also decline to answer any question if it determines that the question is inappropriate or if NYPL does not have the necessary expertise/resources.

We ask all patrons who use NYPL’s services to read the Library’s Privacy Policy.

Who answers your questions?

Trained information specialists will receive and answer your questions.

When to expect a response:

Upon receipt of your question, you will receive an e-mail verifying that your question has been submitted. The minimum turnaround time is 24 hours (Monday to Friday). If you need an answer by a certain date, please be sure to specify this on the question form and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

 

Questions for which we can provide sources only:

• Medical or law-related questions
• Used car values
• Crisscross or reverse telephone directory information
• Product evaluations
• Contest or puzzle questions

Our service does not provide:

• We are unable to fax or send material at this time. To receive copies of documents held by the Library, please contact Interlibrary and Document Services.
• We do not do detailed research or provide bibliographies.

How to renew items:

• Online
• Through self-service checkout at a local branch
• Via the Library’s automated telephone renewal service: 332-241-5525
• Via a call to your neighborhood library
• To get or reset your PIN/password click here. The reset can take a little while to fully register. If after half an hour your reset PIN/password does not work, please visit your local branch with your card and proof of identity (NYPL locations and hours).
• To keep NYPL's library account system as up to date as possible, there is an expiration date for library accounts. To renew your library card, you can visit any branch of NYPL with the library card, proof of identity, and proof of your current home address—the process takes only a minute. General information on renewing library cards and a list of accepted documentation is available here.

Language Access Assistance

If you need Library assistance in a language other than English, the Library offers on-demand interpretation services in over 200 languages through LanguageLine, including: español · العَرَبِية · বাঙালি · 简体中文 · 繁體中文 · Français · kreyòl ayisyen · 한국어 · Polski · Русский · اُردُو.

At a library branch, connect with staff to access LanguageLine. Or, you may call Ask NYPL to be connected to LanguageLine: 917-275-6975.

If you have questions about language access at NYPL or would like to request an accommodation (e.g., interpretation for a program), please contact the Language Access Working Group at lawg@nypl.org.

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