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Apply for a Library Card - Pick Up Your Card In Person

  • Use this form to begin the application process & visit a public service desk with valid ID to complete your registration.
  • International applicants should use this form to pre-register. Library cards will not be mailed to addresses outside of the United States.
  • You may also register using a paper application form at any New York Public Library location.

Please enter the following information (Items marked with * are required)
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*  MM/DD/YYYY

Permanent Address

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 000-000-0000
Yes, I'd like to receive e-communications about NYPL's programs, services, and initiatives.

Local Address (if different)

 000-000-0000

What happens next?

  • Use this form if you need a card right away, and are applying in person at selected New York Public Library locations.
  • If applying from a library PC, take note of this number and bring it to a public service desk with photo id and proof of address to complete the registration process and validate your library card. A list of accepted documents can be found here.
  • You won't be able to borrow materials, download eNYPL content, search Library databases, or reserve a computer until your card has been validated. To validate your card:
    • If applying from a library PC, take note of this number & bring it to a public service desk with identification to complete the registration process and validate your library card.
    • If applying from outside of the library, read your confirmation screen carefully for additional instructions for logging in and choosing a PIN/ Password. We encourage you to create a PIN or strong PASSWORD between 4 and 32 characters long using mixed-case, numerals, and/or special characters. For example, you can use upper or lower case characters (a-z, A-Z), numerals (0-9) and/or special characters such as ~!?@#$%^&*() EXCEPT period (.)
  • We will send you an email confirmation, assuming you have provided a valid e-mail address.
  • Complete the registration process in person and activate your card at one of our NYPL locations.