Boston Public Library eCard

If you live in Massachusetts

• a BPL e-Card will give you access to many databases through the Boston Public Library.
• the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) makes close to 40 databases from Gale Resources available for free to Massachusetts residents, in addition to Historic Collections.

If you live outside Massachusetts

• There may be a freely available Open Access alternative for searching material of interest to you.
• Check our guide to Reliable Web Resources for links to reliable publicly available information.
• Explore nearby public and college or university library options.

Benefits

Your BPL eCard gives you access to:

• Downloadable ebooks and multimedia
• Research databases
• Digital magazines through RBdigital
• Streaming media through Hoopla
• Account creation in our online catalog

Eligibility

To register for an eCard, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• You reside permanently in Massachusetts
• You live in-state for part of the year to attend school
• You commute to a Massachusetts employer on a sustained and regular basis
• You own property in Massachusetts

Additionally, you must be an individual age 13 or older with no other active library card with the BPL. To comply with COPPA, we can't allow children under 13 to fill out the registration form.

When Your eCard Expires

You can renew your eCard by resubmitting the registration form starting 10 days before its expiration date. Be sure to submit your updated address if has changed. Renew now. Please note that physical library cards cannot be renewed using this form and must be renewed in person at one of our locations.

Upgrade Your eCard

Full BPL library cards entitle you to all benefits of an eCard and more, including:

• Borrowing privileges for physical materials and use of "in-library only" items
• Museum pass reservations
• Use of the public access computers at all BPL branches

eCards can be upgraded at any BPL or MBLN location. Bring either a Massachusetts driver's license/ID card or other proof of your eligibility.

Checkouts, holds, and wishlists of downloadable audiobooks and eBooks can be transferred to your new card with a request sent to overdrivesupport@bpl.org. Please include both card numbers in the email and allow one weekday for the transfers to complete.