Boston Public Library
Who can get a Library Card?
Borrowing and Circulating Information

You are eligible for a library card if you are:

  • a resident of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
  • a Massachusetts property owner
  • employed in Massachusetts
  • attending school in Massachusetts
  • a resident of temporary housing

Library users from outside Massachusetts may apply for a courtesy card for the purpose of using Research Library materials. Courtesy cards may also be issued to Massachusetts residents who do not have identification to register for a card. Courtesy cards may be upgraded to standard cards by providing appropriate ID on future visit.

Children 12 and under need a parent’s signature to get a library card.

The Boston Public Library is a member of the Metro-Boston Library Network and will accept library cards from the Chelsea Public Library and the Malden Public Library. If you have a library card from any of the following Massachusetts library networks, the Boston Public Library will allow you to use that card when you register for borrowing privileges: Automated Bristol Library Exchange (ABLE), Cape Libraries Automated Materials Sharing (CLAMS), Fenway Libraries Online (FLO), Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC), Minuteman Library Network (MLN), North of Boston Library Exchange (NOBLE), Old Colony Library Network (OCLN), andthe SAILS Library network.

Library card holders may borrow circulating library materials from the Boston Public Library, Central Library and Branches, and the libraries in the Metro-Boston Library Network, and may use the non-circulating materials in the Research Library. Library cards and PINs are also used to access the library's online databases and downloadable media collections. All non-circulating materials may only be used in the Library. Courtesy card holders may use non-circulating Research Library materials in the Research Library. A library card may only be used by the person to whom it is issued.

Your library card is as valuable as a credit card and should be treated with great care. Card holders are held responsible for material obtained with their library cards. Card holders should report immediately to the Library:

  • the loss of a card
  • a change in name
  • a change in address

Library cards are not transferable.