What the Brooklyn Public Library offers and who can get a card

The Brooklyn Public Library is a separate system from the New York Public Library and serves Brooklyn residents with 60 branches across the borough. You can get a Brooklyn Public Library card in person at any branch, and you do not need to live in Brooklyn — the library issues cards to anyone. With a card, you can borrow books, audiobooks, DVDs, and other materials; use computers and Wi-Fi; attend programs; and access digital resources from home.

The card itself is free. You will need a photo ID and proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement works. If you do not have proof of address, you can use a second form of ID instead. The card is issued on the spot and works when ready at all Brooklyn Public Library locations.

Key Takeaways

  • A Brooklyn Public Library card is free and issued the same day at any of the 60 branches with a photo ID and proof of address.
  • You can borrow physical materials, use computers and Wi-Fi, and access digital collections from home with your card number.
  • The library's digital collection includes e-books, audiobooks, streaming video, and databases you can use from any device with internet.
  • Most branches have extended hours, and you can place holds on materials online or by phone without visiting in person.

How to sign up for a card in person

Visit any Brooklyn Public Library branch during open hours. Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have proof of address, bring a second photo ID instead.

Tell the staff member at the desk you want to open a library card. They will ask for your name, phone number, and email address. The card prints when ready and you can start borrowing right away. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present.

Finding materials and placing holds

Search the Brooklyn Public Library catalog online at bklynlibrary.org. You can look for books, audiobooks, DVDs, and other materials. Once you find something, you can place a hold on it using your library card number and PIN (which you set up when you got your card). The library will notify you by email or phone when the item is ready to pick up.

You can also call your local branch directly to ask about a specific book or to place a hold over the phone. Most holds are ready within one to two weeks, depending on how many people are waiting. You have seven days to pick up a hold before it goes back into circulation.

Using digital resources from home

Log into your account at bklynlibrary.org with your card number and PIN to access digital materials without leaving home. The library offers e-books through OverDrive and Libby, audiobooks through Hoopla and OverDrive, and streaming video through Kanopy. You can also access databases like Consumer Reports, learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, and language learning through Mango Languages.

Most digital materials have no wait time — you can borrow them when ready. E-books and audiobooks usually have a loan period of 21 days. You do not need to return them; they delete automatically when the loan expires. Your library card number and PIN are all you need to log in from any device.

Computer and Wi-Fi access at branches

All Brooklyn Public Library branches offer free computer access and Wi-Fi. You can use a computer for up to three hours per day. To use a computer, you may need to show your library card or sign up at the desk. Wi-Fi is available to anyone inside the building and does not require a card.

Computers have standard software including Microsoft Office, web browsers, and printing capability. You can print documents for a small fee, usually 10 cents per page. If you need help using a computer, staff members at the branch can answer basic questions.

Programs and events at Brooklyn Public Library branches

Brooklyn Public Library branches host free programs throughout the year, including story time for children, book clubs, homework help, job training workshops, and author events. Many programs are free and open to the public, though some may require you to register in advance. Check the library's website or call your local branch to see what is happening near you.

During school breaks and summer, the library runs children's programs and reading challenges. Teens can join after-school clubs and job preparation programs. Adults can attend financial literacy classes, ESL conversation groups, and technology training. Program schedules vary by branch and change seasonally.

Renewing materials and managing your account

You can renew books online through your library account at bklynlibrary.org, by phone, or in person at any branch. Most items can be renewed up to three times if no one else has placed a hold on them. You can renew items before they are due or after they become overdue.

If you lose your PIN, you can reset it online or ask for a new one at any branch. If your card is lost or stolen, report it to the library right away so no one else can use it. You can request a replacement card at any branch for a small fee, usually a few dollars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to live in Brooklyn to get a card?

No. The Brooklyn Public Library issues cards to anyone, regardless of where you live. You just need a photo ID and proof of current address. If you do not have proof of address, a second photo ID works instead.

What happens if I return something late?

The library charges overdue fines, usually 25 cents per day for books and more for other materials. Fines stop accumulating after the item has been overdue for 30 days. You can pay fines in person at any branch, by phone, or online through your account.

Can I borrow materials from other library systems with my Brooklyn card?

No. Your Brooklyn Public Library card works only at Brooklyn Public Library branches. The New York Public Library and Queens Public Library are separate systems with their own cards. However, some libraries have reciprocal agreements — ask your local branch about borrowing privileges at other systems.

How long can I keep a book?

Most books can be borrowed for 21 days. DVDs and other materials may have different loan periods — usually 7 to 14 days. You can renew items online or by phone if no one else is waiting for them.

Is there a fee to use the library's computers or Wi-Fi?

No. Computer access and Wi-Fi are free for all library cardholders and visitors. Computer use is limited to three hours per day. Printing costs 10 cents per page.