September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month. Here Are 5+ Ways to Get Involved at Your Local Library.

A library card can get you access to books, magazines, newspapers, digital resources, movies, free museum entry, and much more.

By
Maggie Barrows
September 13, 2022

It's National Library Card Sign-Up Month! All three of New York City's public libraries (the New York Public Library, the Brooklyn Public Library, and the Queens Public Library) offer both traditional and digital library cards. Residents of New York State can apply online for the free cards, or go to a local branch in person to sign up there.

A digital library card gives you access to that library's collection of ebooks and e-audiobooks, which you can access through the SimplyE app for Android and iOS. With a regular library card, you can access those digital collections, as well as check out physical books, rent DVDs, stream movies online, and even more. If you're an avid reader, here's a quick tip: the Brooklyn Public Library eCard lets you check out 20 different ebooks from their extensive collection at the same time!

All the public libraries in New York City also offer much more than just media loans! With virtual and in-person events, learning opportunities, enrichment activities for kids, after-school programs, and even free museum passes, there's something for everyone.

Every month, we share highlights from the George Bruce Library on 125th Street to help our neighbors make the most of the New York Public Library's many offerings. While that location is closed until the end of September for renovations, they continue to hold virtual events. For book checkouts and in-person resources, patrons are encouraged to visit the Morningside Heights Library on Broadway, the Harlem Library at 9 West 124th Street, and Harry Belafonte 115th Street Library at 203 West 115th Street.

Upcoming Events

Check the times for recurring virtual events, such as Open Book Hours, Crochet & Chat, and more on the George Bruce Library's event listings. In-person computer basics classes will resume when the George Bruce Library reopens.

Resources

  • NYPL is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with book recommendations, events, multilingual storytimes for children, special collections, and more.
  • Pick up free at-home COVID-19 tests at all NYPL locations.
  • Don't forget: NYPL has e-books and e-audiobooks available to borrow without ever leaving the comfort of your home! Just download the SimplyE app to your phone or tablet, log in with your NYPL account, and download books to enjoy.
  • Late fees are gone for good. Read up on how book return policies will work going forward.

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