Grad Center for Planning & the Environment

Apply for a Brooklyn Public Library e-card through this online application for immediate access to digital resources. Once your application is approved, an account number and PIN will be sent to your email address. 

Pratt students currently living outside New York State can apply for a free in-state e-card by doing the following: 

• Email circservice@bklynlibrary.org using your Pratt email address
• Use "in-state library card" as the subject line
• Explain that you are a Pratt Institute student currently out of state
• Attach a photo of your ID
• Attach a photo of your Pratt ID. If you can't locate your Pratt ID, attach some document from Pratt that shows you are a registered Pratt student
• Include your first name and last name
• BPL's Circulation Department will respond in a few days. They will send you a card and a barcode.

Apply for a New York Public Library e-card through this online application for immediate access to digital resources. Once your application is approved, an account number and PIN will be sent to your email address. 

For students not currently living in New York State, fill out the Ask NYPL form using your Pratt email address to request an e-card. Explain that you are a Pratt Institute student currently living out of state, and offer to provide some form of identification if needed (eg, a photo of your Pratt ID or some other document showing you are a registered Pratt student). 

Apply for a Queens Public Library e-card through this online application for immediate access to digital resources. Once your application is approved, an account number and PIN will be sent to your email address. 

New York State Residents

If you live in New York State (but not New York City) and are interested in obtaining a library card at a NYC public library system, there are still options available to you.

NYPL: To apply for a card in person, you need to provide proof of identity and and that you live, work, pay taxes or attend school in New York State. With a digital card, you can borrow e-books through NYPL's e-reader app, Simply E, available from the App Store or on Google Play. 

You can read more about the eligibility requirements for an NYPL library card and the process on how to apply here. 

BPL: Brooklyn Public Library's card is free for anyone who lives, works, pays property taxes or goes to school in New York state. There is a limit of one library card per person. You can access the application process here. For immediate access with an e-card, you can apply here if you are a New York state resident.

QPL:  If you are a resident of New York State, QPL requires that you live, work, go to school or own property in NY to receive free card. If you are at least twelve years old, you can apply for an e-card here. To sign up for a library card in-person, please go to the check-out counter at your local library with proof of identification and address.

Out of State Residents

At Brooklyn Public Library, Out of State Residents may apply for a Brooklyn Public Library membership and gain access to digital resources like articles and databases, eBooks and the eAudio collection. There is an annual, non-refundable $50 fee for out-of-state cardholders. These cards expire every year and can renewed by e-mailing osbplcard@bklynlibrary.org with your library card barcode and a copy of acceptable ID. If you're interested in applying, you can do so here.

There is also a $50 feel for Non-NYS residents at Queens Public Library. You can start your application for an Out of State e-card with QPL here. 

At NYPL, visitors from out-of-state or abroad can use the Library's resources on-site by being an issued a visitor's library card with a three month expiration date. In order to qualify for a three month visitor account applicants must present photo ID and proof of address (i.e. passport and utility bill).

Utilizing NYC public libraries' non-resident options for access can be a great way to use the wide array of resources offered by NYPL, QPL and BPL at a fraction of the cost (or sometimes, at no cost!) that they would be otherwise.

NYPL and BPL also offer an Educator Card. Teachers, administrators, librarians, and childcare providers currently employed in a public and private school, licensed childcare facility, afterschool, or special education program as well as homeschooling parents and guardians in NYC are eligible to apply for an Educator Card. With an Educator card, there are no late returns on books, you can borrow up to 100 items for 60 days, and place holds on up to 50 items, among other benefits. You can read more about the Educator Card and start the application process here for BPL and here for NYPL.