Shelf Help

 

Discover The New York Public Library’s new personalized book selection service!

While browsing is limited, we offer a friendly, adventurous alternative. Tell us your reading interests and we’ll pick five books for you!

Introduction

The New York Public Library offers a personalized book selection service through Shelf Help. Fill out the online form, call Ask NYPL, or drop off a request form at your local branch to receive new reads handpicked for you based on your interests. Await our signal then pick up a book bundle of five recommended reads.

While many branches of the Library have reopened for grab-and-go service—and we have welcomed back thousands of patrons—browsing remains limited at this time. To recreate the experience of discovery that our patrons love, the Library is pleased to offer Shelf Help to anyone with an NYPL Library card. Get a digital library card through NYPL's app, SimplyE.

How does it work?

There are three ways to request Shelf Help:

  1. Tell us about your reading interests here.
  2. Call Ask NYPL (917-ASK-NYPL or 917-275-6975) to connect with a member of our team, Monday to Friday, 12 PM to 5 PM. For TTY service (Text Telephone for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing), dial 212-930-0020. We’ll ask you about your interests and take it from there.
  3. Pick up a request form at one of our grab-and-go locations, or download one here, and return it to the Library on your next visit.

Hold tight. Our expert librarians will consider your interests, browse the Library’s collection, and select a book bundle of five recommended reads tailored to you. Then what?

  1. When the books are ready at your chosen branch, we’ll send you an email letting you know it’s time to come in for pickup.
  2. Head to your branch, collect your book bundle, and check out your books.
  3. Don’t forget your face mask!