Boston Public Library
eCards

Online Registration and eCard FAQ

Can I register for a library card online?

Yes, Massachusetts State Residents can sign up for a Boston Public Library eCard via the web! Just follow the prompts on the registration form and your eCard number will be emailed to you.

BPL eCards are virtual library cards that allow users immediate entry to all of Boston Public Library's remotely-accessible electronic resources, including magazine databases, downloadable audio, video, e-books, and music.  eCard users who wish to check out library materials will be asked to upgrade to a standard BPL card (see below).

Anyone individual who lives, works, attends school, or owns property in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is at least 13 years of age may register for an eCard.

Library cards for corporations, businesses, libraries, institutions, and children under the age of 13 must be obtained in person at one of our locations. Institutional cards provide borrowing and interlibrary loan privileges, but do not allow remote access to electronic resources, due to vendor licensing restrictions.

An eCard gives you immediate access to the following from your own computer:

• Electronic Resources (magazine and journal articles from online databases)
• Downloadable Audio, Video, and Music

What can't I do with my eCard?

You will be asked to upgrade to a standard library card in order to do any of the following:

• Reserve items using our online catalog
• Check out items from our collection
• Use resources from our "in library use only" collections
• Use an internet-capable public access computer or to obtain unfiltered access to the internet using our wireless network.

It's easy!  Bring a picture identification and proof of your current address in the form of postmarked mail, bills, or a lease to any Boston Public Library location or Metro Boston Library Network location and we will be glad to upgrade your card.

Remember - staff will not be able to upgrade your eCard to a standard BPL card without proper identification.

Yes, if you intend to use it for a long period of time. eCards expire after three years unless they are upgraded to standard BPL cards.

If your eCard expires before you have a chance to upgrade it, you may register for a new eCard.

You can find the registration form here. It will appear in a popup window, so if you don't see it, please be sure to disable any popup blockers temporarily. The form requires JavaScript to be enabled in your browser.