Books Unbanned FAQs

  • General Questions

    Anyone ages 13-26 living in the United States can get a BPL Books Unbanned card. If you live, work, own property, or attend school in Massachusetts, you should apply for a Boston Public Library physical card or eCard to get access to our collection and resources. Get started with a Boston Public Library card.

    You can check out up to 10 books at a time.

    You can borrow books for 14 days, and checkouts expire automatically.

    Your card will be valid for one year, with the possibility of renewal.

    This card only gives you access to our eBook and eAudiobook collection.

    Our collection has different titles than these libraries' collections, and some titles that are not available in their collection may be available in ours, or vice versa. You are welcome to apply for all the cards and access any collection to find the books you need.

    Get a Brooklyn Public Library Books Unbanned card.

    Get a Seattle Public Library Books Unbanned card.

    Get a Los Angeles County Library Books Unbanned card.

    No. If you live or work in Massachusetts, you should apply for a Boston Public Library card to get access to our collection and resources. Get started with a Boston Public Library card.

    No. This card is intended for teens and young adults ages 13 to 26 who do not have a Boston Public Library card. Get started with a Boston Public Library card.

    No. As part of our commitment to intellectual freedom, we protect your privacy and keep information about you and your use of the Library confidential. Confidentiality extends to all records with identifying information about you, including your requests for materials and borrowing history. We will not disclose individual patron information except as necessary for the proper operation of the Library, upon your consent or as required by law. We do aggregate and analyze collective patron data to understand and help us fulfill community interest. Read our Patron Privacy Policy.

    Boston Public Library's Books Unbanned card will be funded by private support through The Boston Public Library Fund. If you are interested in supporting Books Unbanned, please consider contributing through the BPL Fund.