Borrowing FAQs

  • General Questions

    You can use your BPL library card to access eBooks from all participating Massachusetts library systems through Libby by OverDrive. All partner library systems are automatically added to your BPL Libby account.

    In the Libby app or website: Libby searches the BPL and all partner libraries together and shows the best available option for each title.

    On the OverDrive website: You must search each library’s collection separately. Select “Partner Libraries” at the top of the page to browse their collections, place holds, or borrow titles.

    Note: The statewide eBook lending program does not apply to digital collections on Palace.

    The BPL’s Lucky Day collection is a curated collection of new, popular, and bestselling books. All items are available for patrons by walk-in only, and have an express checkout of 21 days with no renewals.

    Physical Loans
    Up to seventy-five physical items (books, DVDs, etc) at a time
    Up to twenty DVDs at a time

    Digital Loans
    Up to ten items at a time from OverDrive
    Up to ten items at a time from Palace
    Unlimited retrieval of articles, images, and other media from our other online resources, except where otherwise noted


    Please Note
    The above policies apply only to the Boston Public Library. When you borrow from other MBLN libraries, your loans will be subject to their policies and limits.

    If you are unable to finish your reading before the library closes for the day, let us know. We are happy to extend your time. We will keep your book on our holds shelf for up to 2 weeks, with further extension available on request.

    If you have enabled “Single-Click Holds,” you will need to disable this option under your account settings (in “Account Preferences”) and select “BPL - Central Delivery Desk” as your pickup point to ensure your hold enters the system properly.

    Homebound cards are intended for BPL customers who are unable to visit the library due to illness, injury, or disability (this includes the frail elderly) and designate another person (caretaker, family member, etc.) to pick up library materials for them.  Here's the link to the form to authorize someone to pickup materials for a homebound patron. Homebound cards are available to all Massachusetts residents.

    The Boston Public Library discontinued its mobile library services due to budget cuts several years ago.  The mobile service was the only home delivery service offered by the library.  Some of the home-bound patrons of the library have enlisted the assistance of relatives, friends or neighbors to pick up requested titles at the library.  If the home-bound patron has access to the Internet, s/he can search the library's catalog online, to find books to request.

    The library regrets the cancellation of this service and thanks you for your interest in the collections and services of the Boston Public Library.

    No, but we will be happy to call, email, or mail a list of those items to the card holder.

    Some books marked "in-library use only" can be taken home after staff review. To have an item reviewed, place a request for it on ILLiad. We will put it on hold for you if we can lend it. This applies to Delivery Desk items only. Patrons cannot follow this procedure for in-library use only books in other departments.

    If your item is marked as "in-library use only" by the Delivery Desk or another department, the item you are requesting may not leave the building and must be returned to the Delivery Desk by closing time. You are free to take the book to any location within the McKim and/or Boylston Street Buildings in the Central Library.

    Yes, if you have either a physical card or an eCard.

    If you don’t have either, you can apply for an eCard if you live, work, own property, or are a resident student for part of the year in Massachusetts.

    Yes, so long as you have a photo ID with you. Some research materials may not be accessible without your library card.

    Yes. Your BPL card gives you borrowing privileges at most Metro Boston Library Network (MBLN) libraries, including the Chelsea and Malden Public Libraries, as well as many others. Each library sets their own borrowing policies.

    You can register your BPL card for use at many other libraries throughout Massachusetts, but it is a good idea to call ahead to ensure that they can do this.

    We know that library materials are for using and sometimes this means they get lost or damaged.

    The first step when you lose or damage an item is to get in touch. You’ll be responsible for the cost of repair or replacement, but in many cases, we will accept a donation of a replacement item in lieu of a replacement fee.

    All donated replacement items must be good condition. This means:

    • no writing in book
    • no ripped or missing pages
    • no torn covers
    • no stains or odors

    We cannot accept donated items as replacement for lost material borrowed from outside of the MBLN system. This includes items borrowed through the Commonwealth Catalog or Interlibrary Loan.

    When an item cannot be repaired or easily replaced, we charge a replacement fee based on format. For most books, the cost is $35.00. For interlibrary loan titles, the cost is $75.00.

    Physical Materials 
    Physical books and CDs: Twenty-one days, up to two renewals
    DVDs: 14 days, up to two renewals
    Print magazines: seven days
    Lucky Day Collection: Fourteen days, no renewals

    Digital Materials

    Kanopy Items
    Videos: Seventy-two hours

    OverDrive Items
    eBooks and audiobooks can typically be borrowed for fourteen days.
    Video typically loans for seven days
    Some items loan for a different period set by the publisher
    OverDrive titles automatically return at the end of the loan period

    Please note:  When you borrow from other MBLN libraries, the lending library sets the loan period and renewal policies. When in doubt about a due date, check your loan receipt or check on your loans by logging in at bpl.org.

    If another patron has a hold on an item you’ve borrowed, it won’t renew.

     

  • Chromebook Connectivity Kits

    There is no charge to borrow and use a Chromebook Kit. You can check out and use a Chromebook Kit for free for 21 days.

    If you lose or damage the Chromebook Kit, you will be charged replacement fees:

    • Laptop Bag: $35
    • Chromebook (including parts): $300
    • Chromebook charging cord: $1
    • Mouse: $5

    If you lost or damage a Chromebook or accessory, you will be charged a replacement fee. Replacement fees for lost or damaged items are:

    • Laptop Bag: $35
    • Chromebook (including parts): $300
    • Chromebook charging cord: $10
    • Mouse: $5

    Please go through the Chromebook Kit checklist. If something is missing or broken, let staff know.

    Each Chromebook kit contains:

    • Laptop bag
    • Quick start guide
    • Laptop, charging cord, mouse

    Staff will not accept a return unless all the components are present.

    Each Chromebook Kit contains:

    • Laptop bag
    • Quick start guide
    • Laptop, charging cord, mouse

    Basic instructions are included in the case and are also available in this Chromebook Quick Start guide.

    You can check out and use a Chromebook Kit for free for 21 days. The Chromebook will be disabled if it is not returned by the due date. After the due date, the library reserves the right to disable the Kit. If you don’t return a Kit on time, a block will be placed on your card.

    Many people are waiting to borrow a Chromebook Kit, so please return the Chromebook Kit on time.

    If there is no waitlist for the Chromebook Kits, they can be renewed. Otherwise, they should be returned on time for the next patron to use.

    For assistance in using a Chromebook, please contact the Boston Public Library’s Community Learning team at 617.859.2323 or computerworkshops@bpl.org. Library staff will be available to assist you with basic usage from 10 am - 1 pm, Monday - Friday.

    These devices are intended for adult library patrons in good standing who do not otherwise have access to equipment or services sufficient to meet their educational needs. By obtaining a device, you are confirming you do not have access to sufficient equipment or services to meet your educational needs.

    You may check out one device per person and per household at any time.

    You can borrow a Chromebook kit at any BPL location. If your location does not have a Chromebook kit currently available, you may place a hold for a Chromebook kit just like other borrowable items from the library.

  • Long-Term Device Lending Program

    The Long-Term Device Lending Program (LTDL Program) has formally ended its maintenance period. You are welcome to keep the Chromebook you borrowed or do with it as you please.

    Managing Your Chromebook

    We released all LTDL Program devices from Boston Public Library management on October 1, 2025. This change should take effect on your Chromebook when it connects to the Internet on or after that date. You will then be able to take full control of it to sign in with any Google account, install and remove Chrome apps, and customize other settings. However, you may still see a misleading “Chromebook managed by bpl.org” message at the bottom of the screen. You may remove this message by performing a factory reset.

    Recycling Electronics

    If you decide not to keep your Chromebook, we recommend one of the following options for responsible disposal:

    Accessing Digital Resources

    The Boston Public Library has digital resources, classes, and workshops on a wide range of topics related to computers and the internet. Visit bpl.org/computer-classes for more information.

    Thank you for being a part of the LTDL program. We hope you benefited and wish you the best in the future.

  • WiFi Hotspot

    You can borrow a WiFi hotspot at any BPL location.If your location does not have a hotspot currently available, you may place a request to hold a hotspot just like other borrowable materials from the library.

    Basic instructions are included on the case. See this PDF for additional information on how to set up the hotspot, and lending rules.  

    Charging the Hotspot:

    You will need to charge the hotspot if it does not turn on. To charge the battery:

    1. Connect the USB-C end of the cord into the charging port of the T-Mobile Franklin T10 Hotspot. 
    2. Plug the other end of the charger into the appropriate electrical outlet.
      When the battery is fully charged, the battery icon on the screen will turn solid white.

    If you lose or damage a hotspot you will be charged a replacement fee. Replacement fees for lost or damaged hotspots are:

    •        Hotspot (including parts): $35
    •        Lost cord: $5

    You can check out and use a WiFi hotspot for free for 21 days, with no renewals. The wireless service on the hotspot will be turned off if the hotspot is not returned on the due date.

    There is no charge to borrow and use a WiFi hotspot. You can check out and use a WiFi hotspot for free for 21 days. If you lose or damage the hotspot, you will be charged replacement fees:

    •        Hotspot (including parts): $35
    •        Lost cord: $5

    The WiFi hotspots use the T-Mobile coverage area.

    You can place a hold request on a WiFi hotspot here.

    These devices are intended for adult library patrons in good standing who do not otherwise have access to equipment or services sufficient to meet their educational needs. By obtaining a device, you are confirming you do not have access to sufficient equipment or services to meet your educational needs.

    You may check out one device per person and per household at any time.

    Each WiFi hotspot kit contains:

    • 1 case
    • 1 hotspot device
    • 1 USB-C cable
    • 1 quick charge wall charger

    Data usage is unlimited, but the content is filtered to not allow web access to adult content (pornography) or malware as a part of being Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) compliant.

    The Library does not track any internet usage. By using the hotspot you are agreeing that you will not take part in any illegal activities.

    The Library is not responsible for any files, data, or personal information accessed or transmitted using the WiFi hotspot device.

    You can only use the hotspot inside the continental U.S. There is no international data or roaming.

    Up to 15 devices can be connected to the hotspot at one time and data is unlimited.  

    No, WiFi hotspots are not renewable. Please place another hold on a WiFi hotspot, if you wish to have more time with an hotspot.

  • Fines and Fees

    No. BPL has decided to stop charging overdue fines on late items. BPL continues to charge fees for unreturned items.

    10 overdue items on your account will block you from further borrowing until items are returned.

    Any item that has been overdue for more than 45 days will be marked as lost, a replacement fee will be added to your account, and your account will be blocked from further borrowing. Returning the overdue item will clear the replacement fee from your account and allow you to begin borrowing again.

    If your loan originated with another member library in the MBLN Network, it is subject to the lending policies of that library, including replacement fees. For more information, contact the lending library.

    Any item that has been overdue for more than 45 days will be marked as lost, a replacement fee will be added to your account, and your account will be blocked from further borrowing.

    To remove a replacement fee from your account, return the overdue item. When BPL checks that item in, the replacement fine will be cleared from your account and you will be able to begin borrowing again.

    If your loan originated with another member library in the MBLN Network, it is subject to the lending policies of that library, including replacement fees. For more information, contact the lending library.

    You can pay fines and fees at the service desk at any BPL location. Our service desks only take cash.

    You can also pay your fines and fees online in our classic catalog. You can pay with PayPal or a credit/debit card.

    You can also mail a check payable to the Boston Public Library to pay your fines. Please send the check to:

    700 Boylston Street
    Boston, MA 02116

    Yes! You can now pay your fines and fees online in our classic catalog. You can pay with PayPal or a credit/debit card.

    There are two types of passes: returnable (laminated) or disposable. Each pass indicates which type it is.

    If you don’t return a laminated, returnable pass on time, your account will be blocked from further borrowing until it is returned.

    If you lose a returnable pass, let us know at 617.536.5400, ask@bpl.org, or by calling or visiting the borrowing location. We’ll assess a replacement cost for you.

    Disposable passes do not need to be returned and don’t generate fines.

    Please log in to your account through the catalog to view items you have checked out, and any fines on your account.

    If you haven't registered your account online, you can register it online here.

    You can also go to any BPL service desk to find out about items you have checked out and any fines you may have.

    The library will notify you of hold and overdue material in one of three ways; by phone, by email, or by text. You may update your email address in your account. If you'd like to change the method we use to contact you, contact us.

  • Holds

    Look for the "Place a Hold" button in our catalog. Not all items are available for holding, usually because they don't circulate or are available immediately.

    Watch our video tutorial

    A hold is a request that we put an item from our circulating collection aside for you at your preferred BPL location.

    Pick up your holds at the library location you selected when you made the hold. You can check this location on your holds page or in the “From” field in the email notification we sent when your hold became available.

    Picking up holds at the Central Library in Copley Square
    The hold shelves are located on the first floor of the Boylston Street building. From the Boylston Street entrance, walk to the left of the welcome center and find the holds shelf along the wall opposite the DVDs.

    Picking up holds at other BPL locations
    The location of the hold shelf varies. Ask for your hold at the service desk.

    Possibly, depending on where the item is in the hold process.

    Watch our short video to learn how to change the pickup location online.

    If you have trouble changing the pickup location, visit any BPL location, call us at 617.536.5400, or email us at ask@bpl.org, and we'll try to help you.

    You have seven days to pick up items held for you at the BPL.

    With OverDrive holds, you have ninety-six hours from when the notification is sent to retrieve your hold. To avoid missing your OverDrive hold, turn on automatic borrowing.

    You may have up to 50 item on hold at one time, including DVDs.

    OverDrive holds are limited to ten and don’t count toward the limit of fifty for other materials.

    Limits for holds on items in special formats or those borrowed from other MBLN libraries may vary.

    We’ll send you a notification to the email address we have on file when your hold is ready for you.

    If you aren’t receiving your notifications, make sure we have your current email address by either logging into your account or checking at a service desk.

    Sometimes, these notifications get marked as spam. To ensure continued notifications, please add this email address to your contact list: no_reply@bpl.org.

    Do you have unpaid fines in excess of $10.00?

    Visit any BPL location and pay your fines at the service desk.

    Has it been more than two years since your card was issued or last renewed?

    Physical cardholders can renew their card at any of our locations with proof of address or apply for an eCard and email websupport@bpl.org to transfer any holds and checkouts to the new card. eCardholders can renew online, opens a new window.

    Did you register your eCard from outside of Massachusetts?

    Email us at websupport@bpl.org and we'll work with you to verify your eligibility.

    Did you try to place a hold on a physical item with your eCard?

    It is not possible to place a hold on a physical item with an eCard, as eCards can only be used to access our online resources. Placing holds on items like physical books, museum passes, DVDs requires getting a physical library card.

    None of the above apply to you? Get in touch with us at ask@bpl.org.

    You can change the location of your hold. Watch our short video (opens a new window) to learn how to change the pickup location online.

    If you have trouble changing the pickup location, call us at 617.536.5400, or email us at ask@bpl.org, and we'll help you.

    If you have a hold request that hasn't been filled yet that you're concerned will be ready while you're away, look for the "Pause hold" button on your holds page. You can choose a date in the future for the hold request to resume.

    You won't lose your place in the queue and the request will continue to advance in it while it's suspended. We won't fill it until your resume date.

    There are other ways to leverage this useful feature. Read more on our blog.

    The library will notify you of hold and overdue material in one of three ways; by phone, by email, or by text. You may update your email address in your account. If you'd like to change the method we use to contact you, contact us.

    No, the books must be picked up using the card under which they were reserved.

    Yes, if you bring in some other form of identification.

    Accepted identification includes: A Massachusetts driver’s license or ID card.

    If you don’t have have a Massachusetts driver’s license or state ID, you can bring some other form of ID that shows your picture and signature along with official mail sent to you at a Massachusetts address.

    If you are unable to come into the library, please download a copy of the designee form to authorize other people to pick up items in your name.

    You should still be able to see your active holds, checkouts, and other digital activity when you log in with your new library card credentials.

    However, if we need to create a whole new borrower record for you though, we may need to transfer your activity to the new account. You can email us at websupport@bpl.org to transfer your holds and checkouts in OverDrive to your new card. Please send the old and new library card numbers.

  • Returns and Renewals


    Physical items
    Eligible materials renew automatically at the end of the loan period, up to two times. Items won't renew if another patron has a hold on them and no other copies are available.

    You can also renew items yourself on your checked out page, but this will result in an earlier due date than the automatic process.

    Digital Items
    Some OverDrive materials can be renewed up to three days before expiration. Check the loan for details.

    OverDrive materials that cannot be renewed can be borrowed again after your loan expires, so long as there are no other users waiting with an active hold.

    If an item doesn't renew it is usually for one of three reasons:

    • Another patron has a hold on the item
    • The loan has already been renewed two times
    • The item comes from a part of our collection that does not allow renewals

    Sometimes mistakes get made. Please contact the location to which you returned the item and we will begin a search.

    With the sole exception of museum passes, you can return materials at any MBLN library, including any BPL location.

    Museum passes must be returned to the location from which they were borrowed.

    All branches that are not closed for renovations and that have after-hours book drops can accept returned items at all hours.

    Please note: Uphams Corner Branch does not have a  book drop. Chinatown Branch's book drop is on the side wall outside the library's reading room. Patrons need to enter the China Trade Center building and come downstairs to return books through the book drop.

  • Museum Passes

    You can find a list of all the current museum and attraction passes we offer on our Museum Passes page.

    Reserve most museum passes online via LibCal, opens a new window. We allow patrons to reserve passes over the phone (with a library card number) and in person. You are also welcome to use our computers to make a reservation.

    Patrons may book each pass once in a 30 day period. Patrons may only book one pass per day.

    No. To reserve museum passes, upgrade your eCard at any BPL location by bringing a photo ID and proof of your Massachusetts residency. A state-issued ID or driver's license meets both requirements.

    Returnable passes have to be picked up the day they are reserved for (or on Friday for a weekend pass). Disposable passes should be picked up before that date needed, as most museums are now requiring you to also schedule a visiting time on the museum's website after you have picked up your pass. You will need to bring your library card to pick up both types of passes.

    There are two types of passes: returnable (laminated) or disposable. Each pass indicates which type it is.

    If you borrowed a disposable pass, you don’t need to return it.

    Laminated “returnable” passes must be returned to avoid fines. Bring back your returnable pass to the same location where you picked it up before 12 p.m. on the next day that the location is open.

    Please don’t leave museum passes in the overnight return box. Check the hours of the branch you’re returning to before returning your pass.

    There are two types of passes: returnable (laminated) or disposable. Each pass indicates which type it is.

    If you don’t return a laminated, returnable pass on time, your account will be blocked from further borrowing until it is returned.

    If you lose a returnable pass, let us know at 617.536.5400, ask@bpl.org, or by calling or visiting the borrowing location. We’ll assess a replacement cost for you.

    Disposable passes do not need to be returned and don’t generate fines.

    You may reserve one pass per museum per thirty-day period. Patrons may only book one pass per day. 

    Electronic (e-tickets) passes are not eligible for cancellation.

    Cancellations are not permitted on the day of your scheduled pick up. You may cancel your reservation online or by contacting us in advance of your museum pass pickup date.

    If a pass has already been picked up, it must be returned to the owning library prior to cancelling the reservation.

    By phone or in person, ONE or more days in advance: Call or visit the library location you planned to pick the pass up from and ask us to cancel it for you. Have your library card number available so we can look up your reservation.

    Online, TWO or more days in advance: Check the confirmation email you received from LibCal. If this is a physical pass, it will include a link you can follow to a page where you can cancel your booking.

  • Borrowing from Other Libraries

    If the Boston Public Library doesn’t have what you need, we may be able to borrow it from another library for you.

    Borrowing via Commonwealth Catalog (ComCat) is the quickest and most convenient way to get your item if we don't have it in our collection. Once you have searched our catalog for the title and cannot find it, log in to the Commonwealth Catalog to search and request from the collections of lending libraries across Massachusetts.

    Your item isn’t in the Commonwealth Catalog? Request it on ILLiad and we'll initiate a broader search. ILLiad is the software BPL uses to search for items that are not owned by BPL or available through the Commonwealth Catalog. Note that ILLiad requests are subject to special restrictions.

    Materials that BPL/ MBLN does not own. This includes books, media, or articles.

    We can’t always find an institution willing to lend an item. This happens most frequently with recent publications, reference books, current textbooks, and entire issues of periodicals.

    Video games and current textbooks are not available via interlibrary loan.

    It varies. You can check the progress of your request by logging into to your  Commonwealth Catalog or ILLiad accounts.

    If you placed a request in the Commonwealth Catalog, you can log in to your account to check the status of your request.

    If you placed a request in ILLiad, you can login in to your account to check the status of your request.

    Otherwise, please contact the Interlibrary Loan Department at interlibraryloan@bpl.org or 617.859.2500.

    We send interlibrary loan notifications by email to the address you provide when making the request. If you don’t have an email address, we’ll use whatever contact information we have in your account.

    Commonwealth Catalog loans are for 28 days. There are no renewals.

    ILLiad loans periods are set by the lending institution. The due date appears on the book strap of the item. Renewals can be requested via interlibraryloan@bpl.org but are granted by the lending institutions and are not guaranteed.

    Interlibrary loan materials must be picked up at a BPL location and returned to the same location.

    We can’t always find an institution willing to lend an item. This happens most frequently with recent publications, reference books, and entire issues of periodicals. Other factors include: the age, condition, and rarity of an item.

    Video games and current textbooks are not available via interlibrary loan.

    Yes, use your ILLiad account to obtain articles that aren’t available in the BPL’s collections.

    ILLiad is the software BPL uses to search for items that are not owned by BPL or available through the Commonwealth Catalog. You can create an ILLiad account to easily place and track your requests.

    ComCat stands for Commonwealth Catalog. The Commonwealth Catalog allows you to borrow books that BPL does not own from participating libraries all over Massachusetts. In one easy step, you can search through millions of items. Make a request and it will be delivered right to your local branch for pickup.

    We pay all costs of an interlibrary loan on your behalf.

    You can have up to six concurrent interlibrary loan requests through ILLiad, including items that are checked out.

    Commonwealth Catalog limits you to ten concurrent requests. Learn more here.

    You may use an eCard to request articles, which are not returnable.

    For physical items, you need a full privileges library card in good standing to request interlibrary loans.  You can upgrade your eCard to a physical card at any BPL location.

  • Library of Things Circulation

    Patrons can borrow items for 14 days, with no renewals. If a patron does not return an item, a block will be placed on their card with the added replacement fee until they have returned it. Please see the Replacement Cost Chart. Patrons may borrow up to two Library of Things items at a time.

    All teen (ages 13-17) and adult (ages 18+) MBLN cardholders in good standing may check out these materials.

    No, items are not renewable. 

    Patrons can have up to 4 holds on Library of Things items.

    Pick up the item at the assigned branch where the item is located. If the item is available at a location, you may pick it up without placing a hold.

    Patrons must return items to the pickup location. Items cannot be placed in a book drop or returned to a different MBLN location. 

    Patrons are responsible for the safekeeping and return of these items to the library in good working order and assume liability for the equipment while it is in their care. Please see our Replacement Cost Chart:

    Library of Things Item Replacement Cost
    Bird Watching Kit $100
    Oral History Backpacks $100
    Telescope Bag Kit $350
    Kill a Watt Electricity Monitor $50
    Ukulele $50
    Sewing Machine $250
    BluRay Player $150
    Fishing Pole $35

    The Library is not responsible for any costs incurred or damage to personal equipment while borrowers use items from the Library of Things (i.e.: a patron borrowed a hammer and put a hole in the wall). The Library does its best to provide clean and fully functional equipment but is not responsible for unforeseen item failure. If a patron receives faulty equipment, they should email ask@bpl.org to coordinate an exchange/support. 

    If a patron borrows an item with multiple pieces, all pieces must be present at time of return. If a patron does not return with all the pieces, then they cannot return the item. The patron will need to wait to return the item until all components are together.

    A library card in good standing means there are no blocks on the card. A block could be in place for a number of reasons including but not limited to: an expired card, multiple overdue items, replacement cost fine(s) greater than $24.99, a trespass letter on file, more than one existing account, eCard ineligibility, or unreturned ComCat/ILL items.