Frequently Asked Questions

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 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.

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, opens a new window 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.