Research Guides: Public Libraries: New York Public Library

Benefits of Joining the New York Public Library

With a library card from the New York Public Library, you get access to amazing and free resources, including:

Borrow an eBook or Audiobook
NYPL has over 300,000+ titles, from bestsellers to classics, and read them instantly—whenever and wherever you like.
Read a newspaper
PressReader provides current newspapers in full-color, full-page format and includes U.S. and international titles.
Flip through a magazine
Flipster is your source for the most popular magazines, including Bon Appétit, Sports Illustrated, Time, and People.
Learn a Language
Mango Languages offers step by step lessons rooted in real-life conversations to help you learn more than 70 languages.
Gain a Career Skill
Lynda serves up thousands of courses taught by experts in fields such as web development, education, media production, and business.
Prep for a Test
LearningExpress can help you improve your score on academic tests and professional certification exams.
Write a Book
NYPL prides itself on supporting writers of every kind. In addition to thousands of print resources, the Library offers a large number of electronic resources to help you research, write, and publish your work.

Get a Library Card From Anywhere in New York!

Apply for a Digital Library Card Online

With a digital library card, you get free access to the Library’s wide array of digital resources—including e-books, databases, educational resources, and more. If you are 13 or older and live, work, attend school, or pay property taxes in New York State, you can get a free digital library card right now using this online form. You may also request physical items with your digital account; however you will need to check out your items with a physical card.

Apply for a Library Card at an NYPL Location

To borrow physical and digital materials, please visit one of our locations with proof of ID and address to complete the application for a physical card. Apply for a library card at a New York Public Library location near you.

Renew Your Expired Card

If you currently have an NYPL account and your card has expired, please do not apply for a new card. Duplicate records will be deleted. Learn more about how to renew your card here.

Questions about the New York Public Libraries?

If you have any questions about joining the New York Public Library or about the resource and services that they offer, please reach out directly to the NYPL.