Frequently Asked Questions

The Metro Boston Library Network is a network of public, school and academic libraries in the Metro Boston area. MBLN is one of the nine library consortia located in Massachusetts. MBLN hosts and supports the Network ILS (Integrated Library System) and provides technical support and staff training, facilitates the sharing of materials and assists in managing internet connectivity for members. MBLN is primarily funded through membership fees and receives significant support through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). To learn more about this funding, visit the Grants to Networks page of the MBLC website: https://mblc.state.ma.us.

Additional funding for telecommunications comes from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) E-rate program.

Each month BPL patrons receive 18 tickets. These tickets reset each month and do not roll over to the next month.

Depending on the length and viewing period of each title, movies in Kanopy will require between 0-5 tickets per viewing.

You can see your remaining tickets for the month in the top-right corner of the homepage.

Note: Kanopy Kids doesn't use tickets. You can access an unlimited number of Kanopy Kids titles each month.

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.

biblio+ is a new streaming service with a highly-curated selection of groundbreaking films and captivating television, from award-winners and nominees to independent discoveries, thoughtful documentaries, and everything in between. With biblio+, library members have unlimited access to this exciting, ad-free catalog of video content on many devices! All you need to get started is a library card. 

Patrons can borrow items for 21 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.

The BPL’s primary goal with this pilot program is to reach riders who may not already be familiar with the Library’s offerings. Library cards are not required to use this service.

The OverDrive app was discontinued on May 1, 2023. This was our vendor OverDrive's decision, not the Boston Public Library's decision.

We encourage you to make the switch to OverDrive's Libby app.

Here is OverDrive's Libby Help guide for OverDrive app users. 

Access to our OverDrive site will remain available.

The only items you need to prepare prior to your arrival are samples of the materials you are proposing be digitized (including samples of any descriptive information you have for the materials — catalog cards, MARC records, spreadsheets, finding aids, etc.). During the visit, we will assess materials for both fragility and appropriateness, so having samples available is very helpful. We want to see anything you have in mind, even if you suspect digitization is a long shot.

Please also prepare a list of questions for us. We’re there to help you feel comfortable with the process, so no question should be considered unreasonable or silly.

Lastly, if you have anything that you think we might bring back to the BPL with us, after assessment, you need to have boxes and packing material ready so that we can transport it safely.

For information about what types of content may be contributed, see the Collection Development Policy.

There are no more Chromebooks or LTE Enabled Home Routers (Home Wi-Fi) available. We recommend looking into our Short-Term Lending Home Connectivity Kits as an alternative,

1. Power On
   If device is not powered on, press the power button in top right corner of the keyboard. 

   If the device doesn’t turn on, plug it into a nearby outlet with the power cord until charged.

2. Connect to Wi-Fi
   Chromebooks automatically connect to Wi-Fi Routers provided through the Long-Term Device Lending Program, BPL Wi-Fi networks, and BPL Hotspots.
   To connect to a different Wi-Fi network:      
   1. Click on the Quick Settings Panel at the bottom right of your screen.
   2. Click on the ‘No Network’ icon.
      
   3. Select your Wi-Fi Network.
   4. If needed, enter Wi-Fi password. More Information on connecting to a WiFi network is available on Google’s support website.
3. Log in
   Select one of the following to log in:     
   • BPL Guest Session – No username or password necessary
   • Add Person – Login with the email account you used when requesting this device (must be a Gmail / Google Workspace account).Children borrowing your device are required to use a guest session or students can login with their Boston Public School account.

     If you are currently being blocked from logging in with your personal account, please complete the following form to certify you are an adult and will use the device for lawful purposes: BPL Chromebook Login Request Form

     Disclaimer
     By using this device, you agree that you will not use it as part of any illegal activities. The library is not responsible for any files, data, or personal information accessed or transmitted using this device.

You can download the Flipster app from your device's app store. If you have a Kindle Fire, you can download it directly.

• iOS (Apple App Store) 
• Android (Google Play)
• Fire (3rd & 4th generation tablets)

Search for Boston Public Library in the app and enter your library card number and PIN to get started.

The app is not required to access Flipster. You may also use your device's web browser to access it.

When users complete a course using LinkedIn Learning, they have the option to print out a certificate of completion. Currently, user names are not included on these certificates like they were before we migrated from Lynda.com.

The change was unexpected for us, so we're hoping LinkedIn Learning will find a solution. Currently however, names cannot be included on certificates offered through LinkedIn Learning for Libraries.

On March 2, 2021, we migrated our Lynda.com subscription to the new LinkedIn Learning platform. If you used Lynda.com through the BPL, you should find the experience mostly the same, if not better.

Learn more about the change.

You can find out which online resources contain the full text of many journals by searching our e-journal portal.

Can’t make it to the Boston Public Library in person? Sign up for an eCard to use our electronic resources. If you want to borrow physical materials, you can upgrade to a physical card in person.

Apply for a physical library card at the circulation desk in any BPL location.

Come with picture ID and proof of Massachusetts residency, which can be either a physical document or an official document available on an electronic device. A Massachusetts driver’s license or ID card satisfies both requirements.

If you don’t 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.

Let us know if you have a preferred first name. Your preferred first name does not need to match your ID. An ID or bill with a deadname or legal name is still a valid form of address verification. All changes to your record require proof of ID.

Kids ages 12 and under can get a card with the signature of a parent or guardian.

If you are bringing a large group of people to the library to register for a card, we encourage you to print and fill out our library card application in advance before coming to the library.

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

Jobs at the BPL are listed on the City of Boston website.

All branch locations have meeting rooms or can accommodate group meetings. See our full list of available spaces.

You can borrow up to ten titles from OverDrive at a single time. These do not count toward the limit of seventy-five physical loans at a time on your library card.

Please check library holdings at bpl.bibliocommons.com and www.commonwealthcatalog.org before suggesting a title for purchase. Please be aware that we generally do not order items for our collection more than two months ahead of publication date. Priority is given to suggestions that are currently, or soon to be, published.

To suggest titles for purchase please log into your library account and complete the form “submit a suggestion” found in your library dashboard.

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.

Online
Fill out our contact form or email us at ask@bpl.org. Our librarians will be in touch over email within twenty-four hours. Depending on your needs, we might recommend a phone call or visit when we get back to you. If your research need is complex, please indicate in the form that you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss your research needs.

Phone
We have librarians on-call to help you with research and reference from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. You can reach us at 617.536.5400.

In-Person
There is a librarian on duty at all BPL locations who can help you with research. More intensive research help is available at the Central Library in Copley Square in Bates Hall.

Book a Librarian
You can also book a 30 minute appointment with a research librarian. After you request an appointment, the Library will get back to you within 2 business days letting you know if your appointment was approved; information about joining the meeting will be sent in a separate email. Appointments must be requested at least 5 days in advance. 

The BPL offers wireless connections to the Library's Internet service in all of our locations. 

Look for the WiFi network BostonPublicLibrary and connect via your device's procedure for WiFi connection. Launch your browser, accept the security certificate to begin using the network.

Our accessible workstations in Tech Central at the Central Library can be reserved in advance by patrons who need them by phone at 617.859.2255.

Otherwise, we don’t offer off-site reservation of our computers. To get into the queue on-site, use the sign-in station.

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.

Visit the MBLN Site.

Boston Public Library

BPS (Boston Public Schools) Library Services Website

Malden Public Library

Chelsea Public Library

Fisher College Library

Newman School Library

These tickets reset each month and do not roll over to the next month. You can still borrow and watch titles that cost 0 tickets.

There are no limits on the number of materials that can be watched per month or account.

To continue watching a movie or search find the title from “my watchlist” under settings in the upper right-hand corner of the screen or search or search for the title. Titles will stay on your watch list indefinitely.

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

No. Participating institutions are responsible for obtaining their own packing supplies, including sturdy boxes and packing tape, for transport of materials. Depending on the type and fragility of items, you may also need some cushioning material (e.g., bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or crumpled kraft paper) to pad items and prevent shifting. Large sheets of sturdy cardboard may also be helpful if you need to package oversized material. Please ensure that you choose a box of suitable strength and size for the items you are transporting.

We are unable to replace broken devices through this program.

If your Chromebook does not turn on, try charging it for a couple of hours by connecting it to an electrical outlet with the power cord. In general, it’s best to keep your Chromebook connected to an outlet to keep it fully charged.

If your Chromebook turns on but shows an error message, please make sure you are connected to a WiFi network with Internet. If you are still having a problem, you could attempt resetting your Chromebook.

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.

Flipster magazines don't have traditional loan periods like eBooks.

Some select titles will expire and will need to be deleted from your device after a set time, however. These titles display an expired icon and appear grayed out when no longer available to read. Select weekly titles may expire in 2 days while select monthly or seasonal titles may expire in 7 days. After they expire, these titles may be redownloaded if they are still available.

Visit the New and Novel Desk at the Central Library, check our calendar for computer instruction classes, or use Kanopy’s support site.

You can check out an eBook using any of the resources on our Stream & Download page. You will need to use your library account to sign up for an account with each of those providers, and you will also need to download their apps, which you find when you visit the website for the resource or in our Downloadable Media resources.

You can get a research card at the Central Library in Copley Square at either the Borrower Services Desk (Level One of the Boylston Street building) or the Delivery Desk (Level Two of the McKim building). This card is free and allows use of materials inside the library. To get this card, you need a photo ID and a document that states your current address. A driver's license or state ID should fulfill both requirements.

If you are coming to the BPL from far away for extensive research, we encourage you to reach out to our Research Services librarians ahead of your visit to ensure the most efficient use of your time here. You can email our Research Services librarians at ask@bpl.org.

Please make checks payable to the “Boston Public Library Fund” and send them to:

Boston Public Library Fund
700 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116
617.859.2027

You can also make donations to several fundraising groups devoted to the advancement of the BPL:

• Associates of the Boston Public Library
• Branch Library Friends Groups. Note: Most branches of the Boston Public Library have their own friends group. To donate with particular branch's friends group, contact that branch library.
• City-Wide Friends of the Boston Public Library

The Guastavino Room, Map Room Tea Lounge, and Courtyard Tea Room are available for private rental during library hours, along with various conference rooms.

All other locations are available after the library has closed. For events held on a weekend, doors open to guests at 6:30 p.m. or later.

Please contact the Special Events Office at events@bpl.org or 617.859.2212 to determine available dates and start times for your event.

OverDrive lends eBooks and audiobooks for up to fourteen days. If you prefer, you can select shorter loan periods for each format individually in your account.

In some cases, the loan period is set by the publisher and will vary from the above. When this happens, the loan period will be displayed at checkout.

When you submit a request you will see a history of suggestions you have submitted. Within two weeks of submission you will see a new notification about the status of the request (if the request was approved or denied) within your library account.

Due to the volume of requests we receive, we cannot offer notification of any suggestion by email or phone.

1. First search our our catalog
2. Then search the Commonwealth Catalog (ComCat)
3. If you still haven’t found the item you need, place your request through ILLiad

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.

For help with your device, you can contact your local library to see if you can schedule a one-on-one session or attend a class for help using our services on your device. If you need technical support for your device, we can help you find where to get it.

To see a list of our upcoming technology classes on particular devices and software, check our calendar for details.

To borrow a laptop, present your library card. (You can use an ID if you don’t have your library card with you.) Library staff will ask to verify your address, either verbally or with an ID.

If the address matches your borrower record, the laptop will be checked out to your card. If your address is incorrect in our system, you will be required to provide an ID so we may update it.

Out-of-state residents and patrons without a library card will be directed to a desktop computer.

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.

Yes! If you meet the eligibility requirements and have an email address, you can get an eCard in about five minutes and start using it right away.

eCards can only be used to access digital resources from the BPL. But if you want to borrow physical items, you can upgrade to a physical library card at any of our locations.

Yes. You are eligible for either a physical library card or an eCard.

Physical Card
Bring a photo ID and proof of your Massachusetts address (like a piece of official mail or a lease) to any BPL location.

eCard
Sign up for an eCard online and start using our online resources instantly. If you'd like to borrow physical materials, you can upgrade in person at any BPL location.

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 alternate 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

Log in with your library card number and your user name will be visible on your dashboard.

You can always log in with either your username or your library card number.

If you live, work, or go to school in Massachusetts, you are eligible for a library card at the BPL and at most of our MBLN Public Library members. Can’t make it to the library in person? Sign up for an eCard to use our electronic resources. If you want to borrow physical materials, you can upgrade to a physical card in person at any of our Public Library members.  

Public library patrons may register, renew or replace a card at any MBLN public library.

Come with a picture ID and proof of Massachusetts residency. A Massachusetts driver’s license or ID card typically satisfies both requirements but check with the individual member library for specifics.

You can renew your eCard 10 days before it expires or later. You can complete the renewal form online.

You cannot renew physical library cards online.

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

No. At this time, biblio+ videos can only be streamed online, with an active internet connection. You cannot watch videos with mobile data.

No, items are not renewable. 

• Scan the QR code and register for a temporary account with an email and password of your choosing. You must register through the QR code.
• An account will be created instantly that will let you borrow up to 5 eBooks or audiobooks at a time, and unlimited magazines and newspapers.
  • Items which are checked out can be returned, which will allow for another checkout in the 21-day period.
• An email will be sent to you welcoming you to the service, providing a link to visit the site to continue reading, and the email/password of your choosing.
• All items will be borrowed for 21 days.
• With the link provided in the email, you can visit the site to continue to read or listen in the browser — no app needed.
• Each account will be valid for 21 days. After 21 days you can re-scan the QR code to re-register/access again. There is no limit on the number of times you can register after the 21-day period.

If you are transporting bound materials, we ask that you use boxes that are close to the size of the boxes that typically hold reams of printer paper (nothing larger). If you are transporting a large number of small, archival boxes, placing a few of them inside a larger box can help protect them during travel. If you are transporting larger materials, such as maps or posters, sandwiching them between two large pieces of sturdy cardboard and taping them securely generally offers decent protection. If you have several short, flat boxes (for example, those that are 16” x 20” x 1”) and you cannot find larger boxes to hold them, they can be transported as is.

In general, whatever size package you use, your materials should be held in sturdy containers that are travel-safe and human-liftable.

We cannot replace stolen or lost Chromebooks. Please email LongTermDeviceLending@BPL.org / LTDL@BPL.org with your contact information as soon as there is an issue so that the Chromebook associated with your account can be identified and disabled. You will not be charged.

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

Yes! On your computer, open the most recent issue of a magazine and select the All Issues menu item in the right column to see all available issues. In the app, the back issues appear on the latest issue screen below the title's description.

Our app is constantly being developed and improved, so you may notice differences between what's available on our site and what's available in the app. 

If you encounter a title that lists an available online version but does not provide a link, try searching for the title at bpl.org in your web browser instead.

You may find a few other things you're used to doing in the web version of our catalog that aren't available in the app. If you do, let us know and we'll see if they can be added to the app development work.

You can watch videos on a computer or mobile device using a web browser.

You will need an internet connection to watch videos on Kanopy. Films cannot be downloaded to a computer or device; they only stream through the internet.

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.

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.

Yes. We accept volunteers to help with giving tours, providing literacy tutoring, and as members of our branch friends groups and the City-Wide Friends of the Boston Public Library. To learn more about volunteering or express your interest, please be in touch by email or by phone at 617.859.2304.

Yes. The Catered Affair is our in-house caterer and is available to assist you not only in planning the ideal menu but in creating your perfect event. We will provide you with recommendations for other vendors (florists, bands, etc.) who have done superior work for our past clients.

Yes, so long as no one else has a hold and is waiting for them. Renewing is only possible in the OverDrive platform or the Libby app and will not work from your main BPL account page. You can also borrow the title again after it expires.

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.

You can have up to ten titles on hold in OverDrive.

Generally speaking we do not make copies for patrons but we do offer photocopiers for your use. If you have trouble using one of our copiers let us know at the nearest service desk.

Please note: some of our materials can’t be photocopied for preservation reasons. In many such cases digital photography would be allowed but please consult with a research librarian before photographing any research materials.

You can suggest up to twenty titles per month for all formats of material.

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.

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.

Yes. Check out our calendar of upcoming classes.

Computer use is limited to two hours per day, but time will be extended up to four hours if no other patrons are waiting. In addition, some locations have express computers available that do not require a library card or guest pass but are limited to fifteen minutes of use.

No. Your physical library card provides all the benefits of eCards plus access to the physical collection, including museum passes.

Use of our facilities is free to all. You do not need a library card to visit the BPL, and you can request a guest pass at any service desk to use our computers on a temporary basis.

If you want to borrow from our collections, you’ll need to get a card. Many area shelters can provide official letters vouching for your eligibility for a Boston Public Library card.

If you live, own property, or work in Massachusetts, you can get a BPL card. Students who live here while attending school are also eligible.

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.

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.

Hoopla titles cannot be renewed, but can be borrowed again immediately upon expiration.

If you're over age 12, bring a photo ID and proof of your residency in Massachusetts. A driver's license or other state ID will meet both requirements.

If you’re 12 and under, you can get a card with the signature of a parent or guardian at any BPL location.

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

You can reset your PIN through our Forgot your Card Number or PIN? page.

If you are not receiving any reset PIN email, try to reset your PIN through our alternative catalog.

If neither of these options worked, contact us at websupport@bpl.org and we’ll work with you over email to retrieve your PIN in a way that doesn’t compromise your account security.

Policies may vary at each MBLN library, so ask your local library for information regarding requests, loan periods, renewals and fines. The owning library sets the policies for their materials. For pickup periods, loan periods, renewals and lost items, the policies of the lending library prevail. Because you may borrow materials from different libraries, you may see overdue fines on some materials and not others.

Delivery for MBLN member libraries is made possible through the Massachusetts Library System.

Materials borrowed from MBLN libraries, except museum passes, Library of Things items, some computer equipment, and non-renewable inter-library loans, may be returned to any MBLN Public Library member and Fisher College.

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, or if the item is restricted due to the lending library policy.

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

If you have supplied your library with your email address or have signed up for text message notifications, you will receive a courtesy notification of which items have automatically renewed and which are due soon.

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

Download the biblio+ app, or stream online at http://www.biblioplus.com/ (login is required).

Yes, your borrowing history from the discontinued OverDrive app and our OverDrive site will appear on your timeline in Libby.

This will happen automatically, but you can also manually load your card's borrowing history.

Once OverDrive loans are on your timeline, you can tag them as "borrowed" in Libby.

Learn more about exceptions and other information on Libby Help.

Yes, patrons can place a hold/reserve an item for pick up at the assigned location.

No. Whether a shipping company or BPL staffers come to collect your materials, those materials should be packed and ready to go prior to the collecting agency’s arrival. Upon return, the materials will be left at the institution’s loading dock (if available), front desk, or another nearby location designated by the participating institution.

Participating institutions should have carts or dollies available for transporting multiple boxes at once.

If you no longer have a need for your device, please return your device using the following procedure:

1. Please pack device(s) and all original accessories in box(es) (or suitable alternative).
2. Bring the packed device(s) to the nearest Boston Public Library location.
3. Present the device(s) at the branch Circulation desk or to the Borrower Services desk at Central, asking for a supervisor.
4. Tell library staff you are returning no longer needed Long-Term Device Lending equipment.

Please note that patrons will not be penalized for any lost or broken equipment so staff will not provide any written confirmation of your return — our inventory management tool will be updated to record the return of your device once it reaches the IT department.

You may download as many issues as you like. There is no limit and there are no hold lists.

Kanopy is compatible with the streaming service, Roku. Other alternatives to stream to your television include:

• Apple TV
• Chromecast using an Android/Google device
• Connecting your computer to your television via HDMI

Requesting and borrowing physical materials, including museum passes, requires a physical card. eCards can be upgraded to physical cards at any BPL location.

This website can be translated by accessing our translate button available in the bottom right corner of every page. We can translate into the following languages: Arabic, Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional), French, Greek, Haitian Creole, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

Prices vary based on spaces used and other factors. See our space use fee schedule for full details.

Check your holds at https://bpl.bibliocommons.com/holds or through the Libby app.

If your hold isn’t on that page, get in touch with us at websupport@bpl.org.

Usually, yes. Navigate to your checkouts page on OverDrive and look for a button marked “Return” or return your book through the Libby app.

Note: OverDrive titles are only renewable on the OverDrive account page or through the Libby app and cannot be renewed from your checkouts page on our webpage.

Yes. Check our calendar for computer instruction classes.

While we do value your input and consider each suggestion carefully, we cannot buy every suggested title.

We are no longer placing holds on the behalf of patrons and recommend that you periodically check bpl.bibliocommons.com and www.commonwealthcatalog.org, as the suggestion could be ordered closer to its date of publication.

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

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.

We provide a five-minute grace period on computer reservations. If you’re later than five minutes, you’ll need to make a new reservation.

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.

In most cases, no. The only exception is if you own property in Massachusetts.

Out-of-state visitors are always welcome to visit any of our locations, and if you’d like onsite access to our research collections, you can apply in-person at the Central Library in Copley Square for a researcher card.

The library will notify you about your account in one of three ways; by phone, by email, or by mail. You may specify which method to use in your account.

You can do that by signing into our website with your card number and PIN, or by visiting any BPL service desk.

If you’d like to opt out of any or all types of notifications you’ve been receiving, stop by any of our service desks, or change your preferences on your account.

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

All general circulating material is fine-free. Some specific exceptions (such as hotspots, equipment, and Library of Things items) may assess overdue fines, and these are determined by local library policy.

Please contact the owning library for lost items. Lost item payments for Malden, Chelsea, and Fisher owned items may be made at those libraries; please contact the library directly for detailed information on how to resolve lost items.

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

Use your library card number and an email address to create a username and password to access biblio+.

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.

• Upon registering, users will receive a welcome email from the BPL, a brief explanation of the service, the email and password selected upon registration, and a link to return to the site to continue reading.
• BPL staff will send a more robust follow-up email to users with a survey/link to library services after the 14-week period to encourage them to visit the library and register for a library card.

That is really up to you. BPL staffers recognize that eliminating duplicate copies of this type of material (for example, postcards, photographs) can be very time-consuming, so we don’t require it. For our own collections, we often digitize multiple copies of the same items as they may have slight differences which could be important to those using the materials.

If you are currently being blocked from logging in with your personal account, please complete the following form to certify you are an adult and will use the device for lawful purposes: BPL Chromebook Login Request Form

T-Mobile has extended Internet service for active users an additional six months beyond the original December 31, 2023 program end date to June 30, 2024.

Once your service ends, we recommend contacting the City of Boston’s Broadband and Digital Equity Team (Digital.Equity@Boston.gov or 617-635-3112) for available options.

There are also courses available through Tech Goes Home - a program that provides learners with a free Chromebook and 12 months of internet access upon completing 15 hours of required training.

Yes, printing is available when reading a magazine on a computer, but not from a mobile device or the iPad app. The print button is located towards the bottom of the right hand menu when viewing a magazine on a computer. The available print options are determined by the publisher. You may be able to print a single page, a range, or none at all.

Questions, comments, and suggestions are always welcome by email at ask@bpl.org and 617.536.5400. See our complete list of library offices that can be contacted directly.

To join the City-Wide Friends of the Boston Public Library, please call 617.536.5400 x2341 or get in touch at CWFBPL@hotmail.com.

For information about the friends group at your local branch, check the branch’s "About" page, or contact your local branch.

Let us know at websupport@bpl.org. Include the title and your card number, and we can force-return the loan so you can borrow it again or rejoin the hold queue.

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.

Currently we offer a 1-hour wedding ceremony for up to 12 guests. Additional details may be found here.

Ceremonies in conjunction with a reception also hosted at the Boston Public Library are permitted. Please contact the Special Events Office at events@bpl.org or 617.859.2212 for more details. See our available spaces for your wedding ceremony and reception.

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

Yes. Our express computers in the Central Library in Copley Square’s Tech Central do not require a library card or guest pass, but are limited to fifteen minutes of use. Our staff can issue you a temporary guest pass for a longer session at other computers.

If you are unable to register for a library card, either because you live out-of-state or you don’t have the proper identification on your person, you may be given a guest pass to use computers. This applies to all ages, so children who are old enough to use the library unattended are also be allowed to use a computer with a guest pass.

If you are eligible for a library card, you will be informed of the identification we need to complete your registration. The next time you visit the library, please visit the Borrower Services desk to register your card before you use the computer.

If you have previously registered for a card but don’t have it with you, we can look up your card number so you may sign up for a computer.

If you have activated your account on bpl.org, you can change your address from your dashboard by navigating to “My Settings” and then to “Personal Information.”

You can also change your email address at the service desk at any BPL location.

You can get a library card for your corporation, business, library, or other institution at any 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.

You can learn more about applying for an institution card here.

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.

If a child is not able to write their personal essay for any reason, they can tell their essay to an adult or a friend. The essay must be in your child’s own words.

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.

After logging into your biblio+ account with your email account and password, click on Account and next to Libraries select Edit to update your library account information.

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

• eBooks and eAudiobooks for adults, children, and teens in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and more.
• Digital Newspapers and Magazines in English, Spanish, Chinese, and more.
• Items that are checked out to you will appear at the top of the home page and under “checkouts” on the expandable top left menu for continued reading and listening after the initial registration.
• Up to 5 eBooks and eAudiobooks can be borrowed at one time.

No. Please remove any duplicate bound items from your set before you send your materials to the BPL. If BPL staffers finds duplicate bound items when preparing your materials for digitization, they will pick the cleanest copy, use that for digitization, and hold the other copies aside. If you are intentionally submitting multiple copies of the same bound items because they have minor differences, please include a note indicating that the duplicates were sent intentionally and that all copies should be digitized.

Federal funding rules for this program require that we have web filters in place to be compliant with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). The web filter is managed by a third party that has determined the site is not be suitable for minors.

No, unfortunately, Flipster doesn't send notifications at this time.

No. At this time, Kanopy videos can only be streamed online, with an active internet connection. You cannot watch videos with mobile data.

Contact our press team at news@bpl.org or 617.859.2319.

Formal photo shoots require a reservation. If you would like to schedule a formal photo shoot at the Central Library in Copley Square, please contact our Special Events Office at events@bpl.org or 617.859.2212 to determine the available dates, start times, and fee for your session. Unfortunately we cannot allow formal photography shoots during library hours. Look through our available spaces for your photo shoot.

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.

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.

ESL conversation groups do not require registration and are offered at locations throughout the city.

We also offer ESL and adult literacy learning in a few other formats and at various locations. For more information and to register please call 617.859.2446 or email mtheroux@bpl.org.

You can update your address at any BPL location. Bring proof of your new address, in the form of an updated drivers license or state ID, a piece of official mail, a bill, or a lease.

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.

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.

biblio+ is available on, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Google TV, and Chromecast.

If you are a returning user, please check if there is a saved password for the site on your phone from a different registration attempt.

If you continue having trouble, please email ask@bpl.org

It is difficult to give a specific answer to this question. The length of time the BPL will keep the materials depends on several factors, including the size of the collection, the uniformity of the materials, and the other collections in the lab at that time. On average, the entire process takes between one to two months, but in specific cases it has been significantly shorter or longer.

Yes, if your fundraiser meets the following conditions:

• We approve the event
• The event is coordinated and paid for by a nonprofit organization
• Tickets are not sold at the door
• The event does not include any gambling

Please contact the Special Events Office at events@bpl.org or 617.859.2212 to begin planning your wedding or private event. You will receive a full proposal outlining all charges (site fees, food and beverage, staffing, rentals, etc.) based on the details you provide.

Please note the BPL does not honor a date ‘hold’ system. All dates are considered open until a signed contract and deposit have been received.

You can review pricing, photos, policies, and procedures on our Private Events page.

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.

Yes.

Your card requires renewal periodically to confirm that you’re still eligible for one.

If you have a physical card (number usually begins with 29999), you can renew it in-person at any BPL location by presenting a picture ID and proof of Massachusetts residency. A Massachusetts driver’s license or ID card satisfies both requirements. Learn more about additional ways you can prove your residency here. You cannot renew a physical library card online.

If you have an eCard (number usually begins with 20000 or MBLN), you can renew it online ten days before the expiration date or anytime later.

If you have an expired physical card but want to borrow electronic titles before you can come to a branch, follow these steps:

• Apply for an eCard
• Email us at websupport@bpl.org to transfer any holds on your expired card
• Use the new eCard until you’re ready to visit a BPL location
• Renew your physical card and email websupport@bpl.org to transfer any holds and electronic checkouts to the renewed card

The Read Your Way to Fenway contest is only open to children ages 5 to 17. As soon as your child turns 5, we encourage them to enter.

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. 

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.

Because biblio+ provides all of the titles, please contact biblio+ directly to suggest titles. The BPL cannot accommodate these requests.

Here are instructions on how to add a card for a partner library in Libby; you can add all 7 of our partner libraries at once using your same Boston Public Library card number and PIN.

You can see a list of our partner libraries on the BPL's OverDrive site in the top right corner. They are:

• CLAMS
• CW Mars
• Merrimack Valley Library Consortium
• Minuteman Library Network
• NOBLE: North of Boston Library Exchange
• Old Colony Library Network
• SAILS Library Network

Note: Some partner libraries may place limits on visiting library cards. For example, when you visit a partner library, you may have a lower checkout limit, lower priority for holds, or the inability to place holds.

If you are a returning patron, you may login and see the “log into your library” screen if you are not following the QR codes. The “Library card ID” is email you registered with and the PIN is the password you chose upon registering.

That depends on the type of material that was digitized.

Bound items digitized by the Internet Archive at the BPL are finished. All metadata for materials scanned by the Internet Archive must be complete prior to digitization. Following digitization, items are available through each institution’s dedicated collection page at archive.org, for example:

East Bridgewater High School yearbook collection at the Internet Archive

In addition, each digitized item is given a unique URL. These URLs are permanent and stable and are suitable for use as web links. For example, though not required, many institutions choose to add these URLs to their MARC records, or even to their institution’s own website. Here is how the East Bridgewater High School Library made the yearbooks available on their website:

East Bridgewater High School yearbook collection at the Internet Archive at their school’s library web page

The BPL will work with the Internet Archive and Digital Commonwealth to ensure that these items are available via Digital Commonwealth systems.

Items digitized at the BPL Digital Imaging Lab may need additional work. The BPL lab only requires that a unique alpha/numeric identifier be assigned to each item prior to digitization. If your institution did not complete object descriptions suitable for use in the DC system prior to digitization, you will need to create these records. To learn more about creating structured data, see our list of Resources.

Router placement within your home can impact your quality of service. Please place router near window, out of the sun or heat and at table height or higher when possible.  Make sure it is devoid of metal or clutter.

Your wireless data speeds may vary and change without notice depending on a variety of factors. Generally, if you use over 50GB of data (lots of streaming videos, downloading large files, etc.) in your billing cycle you are considered a heavy user by the wireless provider (T-Mobile) and they could prioritize your data usage below that of other customers to allow everyone fair access to the network.  This would mean that your wireless data speeds could be slower than they were earlier in your billing cycle.

This threshold is reset at the beginning of your next billing cycle, which is generally the first day of each month. 

What is a GB?

GB is an abbreviation for ‘gigabyte’ and is a unit of measurement for digital information. * For reference, a MB is a ‘megabyte’, and approximately 1,000MB make up one GB.

Common Data Usage

Review approximate data usage for these common activities and adjust accordingly to remain below the threshold:

• Browsing the Internet – 60 MB/Hour (Online Shopping/ Reading News)
• Browsing Social Media – 90 – 156 MB/Hour
• Using Facetime – 180 MB/Hour
• Listening to Music – 10.8-144 MB/Hour – depending on quality
• Zoom/Webex Meeting – 1 GB/Hour
• Watching Netflix – 1 GB/Hour (Standard Def.)
• Watching Netflix – 3 GB/Hour (High Definition)
• Watching YouTube – 1.5 GB/Hour (1080p Def.)
• Watching YouTube – 2.7 GB/Hour (4K Def.)

There was an issue with the Netgear Orbi LTE enabled home Wi-Fi routers distributed through the program that caused connectivity outages for many patrons. T-Mobile recently pushed out an update to the router in order to correct this problem and to restore service to your device.

If you are still experiencing a connectivity problem, please try to “power cycle” your device. This can be done by unplugging the device from the electrical outlet, waiting ten seconds, and then plugging the device back into the electrical outlet.

If you are still having an issue after power cycling the device, please contact T-Mobile Government Support at 844-341-4834 (available 24/7).  When you talk to them, please make sure to tell the T-Mobile representative that you are part of the Boston Public Library Long-Term Lending program.  They will ask you to provide the 4 numbers after BPL from the sticker above the QR code on the front of the Orbi Router.

If your service has been impacted by this issue, T-Mobile has assured us that your service will be extended beyond 2023.  We will email details to people who were affected once we finalize terms with T-Mobile.

You can contact the Interlibrary Loan Department at interlibraryloan@bpl.org or 617.859.2500.

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.

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.

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

Every winner receives 3 tickets — one for the winner, one for an adult, and one for a friend, sibling, or family member of any age. Please note that all winners must be accompanied by an adult, and that children aged 0-2 do not require a ticket.

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.

Not at this time. 

If you've added multiple partner libraries in Libby, you can easily see which of your saved libraries has the best availability for a title. 

Visit Libby Help to see how to check if a title is available at multiple libraries. 

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.

No. Since the Internet Archive used its own programmers to develop its interface, the BPL doesn’t have deep technical knowledge of its index and search capabilities. For example, we don’t have information about how Internet Archive results might display in search engines such as Google or Bing. For this reason, technical questions are often better answered by staff at the Internet Archive.

We can, however, help institutions better understand what descriptive information the Internet Archive needs prior to project commencement to facilitate their digitization process. And, once the fully functional Digital Commonwealth portal and repository is up and running, we will be able to answer technical questions about our own systems.

No. Bound materials, which are digitized at the Internet Archive, can be downloaded directly from the Internet Archive website. For that reason, the BPL will not provide additional copies of the files on external media such as, CD, DVD, or external hard drive. However, the BPL will provide links to each volume on the Internet Archive’s site so that the download page can be easily accessed.

Your Service area, network availability, coverage, and quality may vary based on a number of factors, including network capacity, terrain, weather, or if you are on a private or public Wi-Fi network.  Outages and interruptions in Service may occur, and speed of Service varies.  Devices also have varying speed capabilities and may connect to different networks depending on the technology. Even with coverage areas and with broadband-capable devices, network changes, traffic volumes, outages, technical limitations, signal strength, obstructions, weather, public safety needs, and other conditions may impact speeds and Service availability.

Please review all questions under device FAQs prior to reaching out for support assistance.

If still having an issue, contact T-Mobile Government Support – 1-844-341-4834 (Available 24/7)

• Please provide the 4 numbers after BPL from the sticker above the QR code on the front of the Orbi Router.
• Please advise the T-Mobile expert that you are part of the Boston Public Library or Long-Term Lending program.
• Network troubleshooting may lead to a ticket being created - it could take 72 hours to investigate the issue.
  • Please provide a good callback number and time of day for the expert to reach out to you with a resolution.  

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.

No. The original grant was given to the BPL and the BPL has taken care of all necessary reporting. Funding for this project is now provided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and participating institutions are merely third-party beneficiaries; for them, there is no responsibility to report the benefit.

In general, no. Boston Public Library does not log computer use nor Internet access and when a patron logs out of a public desktop computer and a new user logs in, all of the local data (browsing history, files, ...) from the previous user is deleted. However, interactions with other library systems such as printing may generate usage records. Each print job, including the document name, page count, and any associated charge, is recorded in our print management system for accounting purposes. (The actual document is stored temporarily in the print management release queue until the end of the day on which it was printed, as the print management system keeps printed documents in the queue to allow for a patron to reprint a document if the print failed after it was initially released to the printer.)

If you have a question about the program or the status of your application, please email LongTermDeviceLending@BPL.org / LTDL@BPL.org.

To get assistance using a Chromebook, please visit your local BPL branch or reach out to the Community Learning team at 617-859-2323 or ComputerWorkshops@BPL.org or visit BPL.org/computer-classes for information about computer classes and tutorials for learning technology at home. 

Our mission is to serve residents of Massachusetts, but we recognize that people who own a residence in the state pay real estate taxes here. If your name is listed on the deed of a residence in Massachusetts, either as an owner or a current trustee of a residence held in trust, you likely qualify for this exception.

If the residence you have in mind doesn't list you on the deed, but is owned by other family members, you likely do not qualify.

Timeshare ownership does not qualify an individual for the property owner exception to residency.

If you're still unsure whether you qualify as a property owner, email us at websupport@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.

Absolutely. Rehearsals occur during library hours and will be scheduled the day before the event and coordinated by a member of The Catered Affair.

Rehearsals are not an available option when booking a 1-hour wedding ceremony.

Please contact the Special Events Office at events@bpl.org or 617.859.2212 for more details. See our available spaces here.

Special Collections materials are described in a variety of databases depending on format, including the online catalog, archives.bpl.org, and card catalogs. For assistance getting started searching, email specialcollections@bpl.org and staff will be happy to help you identify what you'd like to see.

If you find an item in the online catalog that is listed as "available by request," you can access the item in our Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. To make an appointment, click the "Request an item" button, find the specific volume you'd like to request, and choose "request this item," You'll be brought to readingroom.bpl.org, where you can create an account and choose the specific day and time you'd like to come in to see the item.

Anything listed as being held in "Arts" or "Special Collections" is available in our Special Collections Reading Room. You'll need to make an appointment at least two days in advance to access these items. See the Special Collections page for instructions on making an appointment.

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.

Once your library card expires, you won't be able to further borrow items or access library resources and services.

You will still be able to log into your BPL account.

Your data will be preserved, and you can renew your library card any time after if it expires.

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.

Usually this means that your card needs to be renewed. You can renew your physical card at any BPL location by bringing proof of your identity and a Massachusetts address (a state-issued ID does both).

If you have an eCard, you can complete the renewal form online.

If your card is new or you're certain that it isn't due for expiration, get in touch with us at websupport@bpl.org.

Physical Cardholders
Your card number is the fourteen-digit number underneath the bar code.

eCardholders
Fill out our Card Number Retrieval Form with the same email address you used before. We'll email you a reminder of your eCard number.

MBLN Partner Cardholders
The bar code location on cards issued by other MBLN libraries varies. Contact the library that issued your card for help finding your card number.

Fill out our Card Number Retrieval Form. We'll email you a reminder of your eCard number.

Libby supports multiple languages including English, Spanish (Latin America), Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Russian, Danish, French (Canada), German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Swedish, Tamil, Danish, and Icelandic. Review Libby Help for a full list of supported languages and steps to change your language in the app. 

See our OverDrive World Language Collection of eBooks, magazines, and audiobooks.

You may also be interested in our World Language Collections at the Boston Public Library featuring materials (books, DVDs, CDs, magazines, newspapers, and more) in Arabic, Chinese, French, Gaelic, German, Greek, Haitian-Creole, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

Libby by OverDrive is now available to download from the Amazon Appstore. Going forward, if you have an Amazon Fire tablet you should download Libby directly from the Amazon Appstore instead of manually sideloading the app.

Additional details:

• The OverDrive app was removed from the Amazon Appstore on June 7, 2023. Fire tablet users who already have the OverDrive app installed can continue to use it for now, but it is no longer in active development. OverDrive encourages those with compatible devices to upgrade to Libby.
• The web page that hosted OverDrive’s Libby APK instructions will redirect users to the Amazon Appstore to download Libby. If you have OverDrive’s Libby APK on your Fire tablet you can continue to use that version. If you would like to switch to the Amazon Appstore version of the app, you can follow these steps. Note: If you switch from the APK version to the Amazon Appstore version of Libby you may lose your Libby timeline activity, search history, and app customizations. You will not lose your loans, holds, or tags.
• The Kindle Book format remains available to users in the U.S. only.

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.

Yes! The LinkedIn Learning app available in the Apple App Store and Google Play can be used with your library card.

• When you sign in, don't enter your email. Click the "Sign in with your library card" instead.
• When asked for the Library ID, enter bostonpubliclibrary (all one word) so LinkedIn knows you're one of our users.
• Log in with your library card and PIN and you should be good to go.

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 place a hold request on a Chromebook Kit here.

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.

Small donations (one box or one bag) of books, may be dropped off at any time during normal hours of operation at the Borrower’s Services Desk at the Central Library. If you would like to donate books at Neighborhood Branches, please call ahead of time.

All donations are first offered to the BPL for acquisition, with the majority being sold at the next Citywide Friends of the Boston Public Library (CWF) book sale. All proceeds from the book sales are used to support the programming and off-budget needs of the library.

If you wish to make a more substantial donation, please contact ask@bpl.org.

Great!  That’s a fantastic way for children to learn how to use the library independently.  Whether or not it can be accommodated by your nearest branch will depend on how many other classes have the same idea. We can adapt due dates for a once a month visit, if necessary.  You can get in touch with the location you’d like to visit to plan with the librarians there. You can also contact a Children's librarian directly to discuss that option.

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.

We're unable to accept eCard registrations and renewals submitted from outside the country due to security and licensing concerns. Please submit the form when you've returned from your trip.

Please note that many of our online resources also may not be available for use outside the United States due to vendor licensing restrictions.

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.

Because Kanopy provides all of the titles, please contact Kanopy directly to suggest titles. The BPL cannot accommodate these requests.

All films have closed captions, subtitles and transcripts that are fully ADA compliant.

You can save titles to watch at a later date by clicking on +My List. You can access the +My List option by either hovering over the title, or clicking on the title, either way will work. Titles are then added to your Watchlist. You can see the saved titles by clicking on your username at the top of the page.

You can also create and share playlists of videos using the playlists feature.

Log into your Kanopy account, located in the upper right side of the Kanopy site. Select "My Memberships" from the drop-down menu. Click on the orange  "Add a New membership" button to add another library. Follow the instructions on the page.

After logging into your Kanopy account with your email account and password, click on My Dashboard and select the orange "Edit library card" button.

You can track your viewing activity by visiting My Dashboard > Recently Viewed. The Recently Viewed page will list every video you have ever watched, even after the 72-hour period has ended. If a video is still within the 72-hour viewing period, the list will include the amount of time left on that viewing period.

Sometimes these messages are filtered to your Spam or Junk Mail folders. Be sure to check these folders and allow kanopy@kanopystreaming.com to send messages to your Inbox. 

Only eligible individual users may register for eCards. Organizations may not register for eCards.

Library cards for corporations, businesses, libraries, and other organizations must be obtained in person at any 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.

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

If you need help using the WiFi hotspot, you can call T-Mobile at: 1.800.375.1126.

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.

You can register a library card for your corporation, business, library, or other institution at any of our locations. Complete guidelines for accessing an Institution Card are as follows:

• Institution cards are intended for schools, businesses, daycare centers or similar organizations, that intend to take responsibility for materials borrowed to meet organizational needs. 
• Institutional cards provide borrowing and interlibrary loan privileges but do not allow remote access to electronic resources due to vendor licensing restrictions.
• Individual cardholder hold, checkout, and other limits also apply to Institution cards.
• Items checked out to academic institutions are for classroom use only.
• In the event more than one card is issued for an institution, all cards will be associated in our system. Should one or more cards become delinquent, the BPL reserves the right to block all associated cards.
• Institution Cards expire one year after registration or renewal, with the exception of academic cards.
• Academic cards expire at the end of the current academic year.
• For continued use after expiration, Institution Card holders are be required to renew the agreement and update contact information every year. 

A letter from the head of the institution, on official letterhead, is required stating the individual(s) authorized to use the card and that the institution agrees to be responsible for all materials borrowed on the card, for fines incurred, as well as for lost or damaged materials and designating a contact person to oversee the use of the card. Institution Cards are be issued upon receipt of this letter.

If your official letterhead does not contain contact information, you will be asked to provide additional proof of address in the Commonwealth. 

Please use the format of our example letter to draft your institution's registration request on official letterhead.

If you have any questions, please contact Michael Colford at mcolford@bpl.org or 617-859-2389.

Library for the Commonwealth is a state funded Boston Public Library program that provides services to anyone who lives or works in Massachusetts. Some of these services include:

• Boston Public Library card or eCard
• Digital Commonwealth
• Streaming and downloadable resources
• Online access to databases, newspapers, journals, skill building and workplace development resources.

The best way for us to consider your book for our collections, is to have an independent, positive review in one or more the of the major review journals (such as Library Journal, School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist and Publisher's Weekly). We are more likely to consider adding a self-published book to our collection if a major review journal has reviewed it.

To submit such a request, email us at ask@bpl.org and include the following:

• Basic bibliographic information about your book (title, author, ISBN, publisher, date of publication, number of pages, price)
• A link to your book's website and links to reviews or other coverage in the news media (if available)
• A brief description of your book and its intended audience and information about how or where to buy it

Unfortunately, we cannot notify you if your book is not selected because of the number of submissions we receive.

Donated books are subject to the same selection criteria as other books we buy. Materials not added to our collection cannot be returned, and are sent to the City-Wide Friends for their bi-monthly book sales.

You can learn how to navigate the new website by watching this short video.

https://youtu.be/YdxOZDXSg4g#action=share

To find the yearbooks go to: https://archive.org, and search for your school. If they’ve digitized your yearbook, it’ll be there. Please remember, only Massachusetts schools' yearbooks have been digitized.

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 14 days with no renewals.

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.

Yes. You can fill out one of the forms below and bring it to the circulation desk in any BPL location, to get a library card.

You do not need one of these forms to get a library card, but we recommend it if you will be bringing a large group with you to get library cards.

Here is the library card application form you can print and fill out, in nine different languages:

• Arabic
• Cape Verdean
• Chinese
• English (for Teen/Adult 13 years of age and up)
• English (for Juvenile up to 12 years of age)
• Haitian Creole
• Portuguese
• Somali
• Spanish
• Vietnamese

Basic security for the building is included in all venue fees. Any additional security, whether required by the library or the client, is at the expense of the client. Written permission from the library must be obtained prior to contracting additional security services for an event and contact between the contracted security vendor and library security supervisor will be required. Contact the Special Events Office at events@bpl.org or 617.859.2212 for additional information.

Please contact the Special Events Office at events@bpl.org or 617.859.2212 for specific questions regarding your décor. Open flame of any kind (including birthday candles, and candles during wedding ceremonies), balloons, greens that contain pitch, fog and bubble machines are not permitted in the library or Courtyard. All items must be free standing and not affixed to the building in any way.

Additional décor is not permitted when booking a 1-hour wedding ceremony.

Bates Hall currently offers seating for up to 220 guests. For an additional fee, the original chairs can be removed to accommodate up to 330 guests with rental chairs.

The tables and lamps in Bates Hall are stationary. The Events Staff is happy to offer suggestions on how each of the tables can be utilized for your specific event.

The library does not have designated parking; however there are a number of parking garages in close proximity to the building. Please contact the Special Events Office at events@bpl.org or 617.859.2212 for more details.

Venue fees may be found in the Private Event Rental page. Venue fees include use of the space and library staffing needed to operate the building for your event (security, custodial, electrician and HVAC support). Your custom proposal will provide the exact cost based on the specifics of your event.

We do not give permission to individuals looking to conduct formal photography during library hours, and enforce a set of guidelines to ensure the safety of the library as well as our patrons. Please view the photography guidelines.

If you would like to schedule a private photo shoot, prior approval must be obtained. Please contact the Special Events Office at events@bpl.org or 617.859.2212 to determine the available dates, start time, and fee for your session. Learn more about our available spaces here.

The library will determine the number of events to be operated simultaneously in the building, and we do not guarantee you sole use of the building except in the location(s) as contracted. We will ensure that your event is in no way disrupted by another event. On a weekend evening, you may rent the entire building to ensure your sole use at the time of your event.

Please contact the Special Events Office at events@bpl.org or 617.859.2212 for more details.

The Courtyard is an ideal location for cocktail receptions and wedding ceremonies. It must be rented in conjunction with another space and is only available after the library has closed to the public.

Please contact the Special Events Office at events@bpl.org or 617.859.2212 for more details.

To make a request for records covered by public records laws or the Freedom of Information Act, please use this form on the City of Boston website.

Questions about submitting your request may be directed to Pamela Carver (pcarver@bpl.org).

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.

If you've discovered you've misplaced something at a recent visit to the Central Library, please call 617.859.2222 to speak to our security staff. We do collect a number of forgotten items in the library in our lost-and-found and the security guards may be able to assist you.

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.

No, all personal information is for internal use only. We may use your email address for notices and library promotions.

No, requests for public records under Massachusetts Public Records Law 950 Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR) 32.06 are not considered confidential.

No, as it is not part of an intellectual pursuit it is a matter of public record according to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, Section 10.

Yes, it is part of an intellectual pursuit which is protected by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 78, Section 7.

Representatives of any local, state, or federal government, with a valid subpoena or search warrant may obtain your records. With the USA PATRIOT Act there are additional restrictions on the library which prohibit library workers from informing you, or any other entity, that federal agents have obtained records about you.

We are sorry, but the information in his patron record is confidential.

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.

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

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.

Use of study rooms at the Central Library must adhere to the procedures found on our meeting spaces page. Use of Study Rooms in the Branches are subject to the rules set forth by the individual branch locations.

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.

Many of our locations feature meeting and community rooms that are available without charge for use that fulfills our meeting room policy. Rental of our spaces for private events is also available and subject to distinct policies.

To book a meeting room at the Central Library in Copley Square, contact the Special Events Office  at 617.859.2212 or events@bpl.org.

To book a meeting room at a branch location, check to see if the space is suitable for your needs, then complete the meeting room request form and bring it to the desk at that location, or submit it online.

See our Central Library Tours page for more information.

Yes. Log in to the alternative catalog with your library bar code number.

Please report errors to websupport@bpl.org.

Most of our online resources are available through our website from wherever you’re connecting. All you need is a library card number. If you don’t have a card yet and you live, work, own property, or are a resident student for part of the year in Massachusetts, you can get an eCard online.

Due to licensing restrictions, some resources are only accessible from inside a BPL or MBLN location. These resources are marked as “in-library only.”

If a resource is not marked as “in-library only” and you are having trouble accessing it from another network, get in touch with us at websupport@bpl.org.

Usually yes, but the options vary by online resource.

Need some help with our online resources? Get in touch with one of our librarians at ask@bpl.org, or call us at 617.536.5400.

You can search for an individual newspaper, magazine, or journal in our eJournal Portal. If we have a particular publication, you’ll find a list of the databases to which the BPL provides access along with a link to the publication in each.

Need some help with our online resources? Get in touch with one of our librarians by email at ask@bpl.org, or call us at 617.536.5400.

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.

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.

Online
Fill out our questionnaire about the books you like and what you’re looking for, and one of our librarians will be in touch over email.

In-Person
Reading recommendations are available in-person at the New and Novel desk in the Central Library in Copley Square, or the service desks at any of our branches.

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.

All eCards can be upgraded by visiting any BPL location. Bring photo ID and proof of your Massachusetts address. A Massachusetts driver’s license or ID meets both requirements.

After you upgrade, 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, 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.

Unfortunately not. If you’d like to authorize someone to check out items on your behalf, you can sign and complete our authorization form and turn it in in-person at any BPL location.

Sharing a card between multiple users is not allowed. As the cardholder of record, you are solely responsible for all fines and fees incurred with your card.

If your friend/child/spouse/parent would like to borrow from the BPL, they should sign up for their own card.

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.

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.

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

Hoopla Items
eBooks and comics: Twenty-one days
Movies and television content: Seventy-two hours
Music: Seven days

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.