Top Questions

  • Scanning: $0.05
  • Black & white prints and copies: $0.20 per side
  • Color prints and copies: $0.60 per side

If you have a library card, your account will automatically be set to a balance of $20 worth of free printing on the first of the month. If additional prints are needed, please add money to your library card. Any additional funds will stay on your card indefinitely and be available to use if you run out of free prints or need to pay fines.

To add funds with cash, use a self-checkout machine located near one of our printers. Only some of our self-checkouts take cash. If it has a green background on the screen and a coin and bill slot in the base, it can take cash. If you're adding money to a library card, tap the Account icon and then tap the "Pay4Print" icon. If you're adding money to a Guest Account, then select "Guest Print Account," log in, and add money. 

You can also manage your print funds by logging into PrintCenter.BPL.org using your library card number and PIN. You can securely add funds via a PayPal transaction, either using PayPal funds or a variety of credit and debit cards.

Learn more about Printing at the BPL on our webpage.

Related: |

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

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

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

Related: |

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.

Related:

An eCard is a Boston Public Library card that you can sign up for online, opens a new window and which provides access to all online resources, including OverDrive and Hoopla.

eCards are available to anyone who lives, resides part-time to attend school, owns property, or works in Massachusetts.

eCards do not allow you to check out physical items such as museum passes, CDs, DVDs, and physical books. To check out physical items, you need a physical card.

Related: |

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.

Related:

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.

Related: |

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.

Related: |

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.

Related: |

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.

Related: |

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

Related: |

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.

translate

Related:

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.

Related: |

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

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

Related: |

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

Related: |

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

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

Related: |

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.

Related: |