How to Get a New York City Library Card (And Why You Definitely Should).

You already know I’m incredibly romantic about most things in New York, but a library card? To me, that’s peak main character energy. I got mine a while ago, and it honestly feels like one of those beautifully underrated adult wins — similar to discovering your go-to deli or successfully getting on a landlord’s good side. If you're currently in NYC and you haven’t yet obtained a library card, let me help you fix that little oversight. Here’s how it works, where to go for the best experience, and why it’s 100% worth every effort you put into getting one.

First things first: which library system?

nyc has three major library systems, depending on where you live:

• New York Public Library (NYPL) – covers Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island

• Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) – covers Brooklyn

• Queens Public Library (QPL) – covers Queens

They’re all technically separate entities, but if you reside, work, attend school, or pay taxes in New York State, you can easily obtain cards for all three.

What you need to sign up:

super simple. for any library system, you’ll need:

• a photo ID (license, passport, school ID, etc.)

• proof of address (can be a bill, lease, or even a piece of mail)

If you don’t have proof of address in your name, don’t stress too much — most public libraries are quite accommodating and accept digital documents. Additionally, if you’re under 18 years old, many libraries will allow you to use a parent or guardian’s information to help you gain access.

How to get your card (step-by-step):

for NYPL (if you're in Manhattan, like me):

1. go to nypl.org/library-card

2. fill out the quick online form

3. you’ll get a temporary barcode right away

4. then just stop by your nearest branch with ID + proof of address to pick up the physical card

same goes for brooklyn and queens — just visit their websites (linked below) and follow similar steps.

wait... why get a library card though?

glad you asked:

• free access to books, audiobooks, and e-books (yes, even kindle!)

• download movies, magazines, and language courses

• free entry to museums + cultural spots with the Culture Pass program

• free workspace with outlets + wifi for remote days

• and my personal fave: free streaming through Kanopy (think indie movies and documentaries galore)

It’s truly one of the best perks of living in New York City — and the exciting part is that it’s absolutely free. We absolutely love a budget-friendly slay that allows us to embrace style without breaking the bank.

So go ahead and get your card, babes. Once you have it, let's plan to meet up in the stacks. (You’ll probably find me there, happily rereading a poetry book that I pretended I didn’t love the first time around.)

talk soon 🕊️
— ally