Anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in Massachusetts can register for a free Boston Public Library eCard at bpl.org/ecard and gain access to a wide range of digital resources covering newspapers, magazines, streaming media, genealogy, and more.
A BPL eCard is issued by the Boston Public Library and provides access to BPL’s specific digital resources. It is separate from any eCard issued by your local library or network and features a broader range of online services.
BPL eCards do not allow for borrowing physical materials (including museum passes) or placing physical holds. Patrons can upgrade their eCard to a full-access physical card at any BPL location or member library of the Metro Boston Library Network (MBLN).
Please note that some electronic resources are only accessible from inside a BPL location.
Anyone who meets at least one of the following criteria:
- Has a primary residence in Massachusetts
- Lives in Massachusetts while attending school
- Works for a Massachusetts-based employer
- Owns property (real estate) in Massachusetts
Learn more about eligibility at bpl.org/get-a-library-card.
No. There is no age requirement for obtaining a BPL eCard.
No. eCards are available only to eligible individuals. Institutions (e.g., businesses, libraries, schools) may apply in person for an institutional card, which allows for physical borrowing and interlibrary loans—but does not offer remote access to digital content due to licensing restrictions.
Yes. The mailing address used simply needs to be a valid address verified by the USPS database at tools.usps.com/zip-code-lookup.htm. Multiple students can register using the same official school mailing address.
