The Boston Public Library is a free public system with 25 locations across the city, plus digital resources you can reach from home

The Boston Public Library (BPL) is run by the City of Boston and open to anyone who lives, works, or studies in Massachusetts. You do not need to pay to get a library card — the card itself is free. With it, you can borrow books, audiobooks, movies, and music; use computers and Wi-Fi; attend programs; and reach digital collections from any internet connection. The main branch is the Central Library in Copley Square, but you can join at any of the 25 neighborhood branches.

The library's physical collection includes roughly 23 million items across all locations. Beyond books, the BPL lends e-books, e-audiobooks, streaming video, and databases. Many of these digital resources are available 24/7 through the library's website, even when buildings are closed. You can place holds on items, renew loans online, and manage your account without visiting in person.

Key Takeaways

  • A Boston Public Library card is free and lets you borrow physical items, access digital collections, use computers, and attend programs at any of the 25 locations.
  • You can get a card in person at any branch with proof of a current address in Massachusetts, or online through the BPL website if you have a valid Massachusetts ID.
  • The library's digital collections — e-books, audiobooks, databases, and streaming video — are available 24/7 through the BPL website and apps.
  • Borrowing periods vary by item type: books are typically three weeks, audiobooks and e-books are two to three weeks, and movies are one week.
  • The BPL offers free programs for all ages, from children's storytimes to adult job-search workshops, at neighborhood branches and the Central Library.

How to Get a Boston Public Library Card

You can get a card in person at any BPL branch or online through the library's website. For an in-person card, bring a current photo ID and proof of your Massachusetts address — a utility bill, lease, or recent mail from a government agency all work. The process takes a few minutes, and the card is issued when ready. If you do not have a photo ID, staff can issue a card with other forms of identification; ask at your nearest branch about what documents they accept.

For an online card, visit the BPL website and select "Get a Library Card." You will need a valid Massachusetts driver's license or state ID number. The online process is when ready, and you can start using digital resources right away. If you want to borrow physical items, you will need to visit a branch in person to set up your card and pick up a physical card to use at checkout.

If you live outside Massachusetts but work or study in the state, you can still get a card. Bring proof of employment or enrollment (a pay stub, school ID, or letter from your employer or school) along with a photo ID and proof of your out-of-state address.

What You Can Borrow and How Long You Can Keep It

The BPL lends books, audiobooks, DVDs, Blu-rays, music CDs, and graphic novels from its physical collection. Books are typically available for three weeks; DVDs and Blu-rays for one week; music CDs for three weeks; and audiobooks on CD for three weeks. You can renew most items online or by phone if no one else has placed a hold on them, which extends the loan period by the same amount of time.

Digital items have different loan periods. E-books and e-audiobooks through the BPL's digital collection (accessed via the Libby app or the library website) are usually available for two to three weeks, depending on the title. Some popular titles have waiting lists because only a limited number of digital copies are available at once. Streaming video and music through the library's databases are available for as long as you have a library card — you do not check them out or return them.

If you lose or damage an item, you are responsible for the replacement cost. The library will bill you. If you return a damaged item before the library bills you, ask staff about damage waiver options; policies vary by branch.

Digital Collections and Online Resources

The BPL's digital collections are accessed through the library's website or through apps like Libby (for e-books and audiobooks), Hoopla (for movies, music, and graphic novels), and Kanopy (for streaming video). You log in with your library card number and PIN. These resources are available 24/7, even when library buildings are closed.

Beyond lending, the BPL provides access to databases for research, job searching, and learning. These include databases for business information, health and medical topics, genealogy, and language learning. Some databases are available only from computers inside the library; others can be accessed from home. Check the BPL website to see which databases are available remotely.

The library also offers free Wi-Fi at all locations. If you do not have internet at home, you can use a library computer or bring your own device and connect to the BPL's network. Computer use is free, though time limits may explore during busy hours.

Programs and Services at Boston Public Library Locations

The BPL runs free programs for children, teens, and adults at the Central Library and neighborhood branches. Children's programs include storytimes, craft sessions, and summer reading clubs. Teen programs cover homework help, coding, and creative writing. Adult programs include job-search workshops, financial literacy classes, English conversation groups, and author talks.

Many branches offer meeting rooms that you can reserve for free or at low cost. The library also provides services like notary public (at some locations), computer classes, and help using digital resources. Call your nearest branch or check the BPL website to see what programs and services are offered in your neighborhood.

The Central Library in Copley Square has additional resources, including a rare books collection, art exhibitions, and a larger event space. It is open to the public and does not require a library card to enter the building, though you need a card to borrow items or use certain services.

Using Library Computers and Getting Help

All BPL locations have public computers available for free use. You do not need a library card to use a computer, though some locations may ask for one. Time limits vary by location — some offer unlimited access, while others limit sessions to two or three hours during peak times. You can print, scan, and copy at most locations for a small fee.

If you need help using a computer, the library, or digital resources, staff at any branch can information you. The BPL also offers free classes on computer basics, internet use, and specific software. Check the library's website or call your nearest branch to see what classes are scheduled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I place a hold on a book and pick it up at a different branch?

Yes. When you place a hold through the library's website or by calling, you can choose which branch you want to pick it up from. The library will notify you by email or phone when the item is ready, and you typically have one week to collect it before it goes back into circulation.

What happens if I return an item late?

The BPL charges late fees: typically 25 cents per day for books and audiobooks, and 50 cents per day for DVDs and Blu-rays. Fees cap at the replacement cost of the item. You can pay fines in person at any branch, online through your library account, or by phone. Some branches offer fine forgiveness programs at certain times of year.

Can I access the library's digital resources from outside Massachusetts?

No. Most digital resources are restricted to users accessing from within Massachusetts due to licensing agreements. If you travel or move out of state, you will lose access to e-books, audiobooks, and streaming databases. You can still use physical items you have checked out.

Is there a Boston Public Library app?

The BPL does not have its own app, but you can access digital collections through apps like Libby, Hoopla, and Kanopy. You log in with your BPL library card number. You can also manage your account, place holds, and renew items through the BPL website.

What should I do if I lost my library card?

Visit any BPL branch with a photo ID and proof of address to get a replacement card. There is no fee. If you are concerned someone else might use your card, ask staff to block the old card number so no one can check out items in your name.