Hold on to your hats, bookworms!
Ever dreamt of getting lost in the labyrinthine shelves of the New York Public Library (NYPL)? Well, fret no more! But before you rush off to grab that first edition of Moby Dick, there's a burning question in your mind:
Can I snag a library card online, or am I stuck with the Dewey Decimal System in person?
Well, settle in, folks, because this post is here to spill the tea (or, more accurately, the Dewey Decimal System).
Conquering the Library Card Quest: Online or In-person?
There's good news and even better news! The NYPL offers both online and in-person applications for library cards. Here's the breakdown:
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Online Application: If you're 13 years old or older and live, work, attend school, or pay property taxes in New York State, then you can apply for a free library card right now using the online application https://www.nypl.org/library-card/new. Just a heads up, you'll still need to visit your nearest NYPL location to verify your information and pick up your physical library card. But hey, that just gives you an excuse to browse the stacks and maybe snag a book or two while you're there!
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In-person Application: For those who prefer the classic library experience (or maybe just want to avoid the whole verification thing), you can always head to your nearest NYPL branch and apply for a library card in person. The librarians are friendly and helpful, and they'll get you set up in no time.
But Wait, There's More!
Here's a quick cheat sheet to get you started:
- Residents of NYC or NYS: Get a free library card with full borrowing privileges.
- Non-residents who work, go to school, or pay taxes in NYS: You're eligible for a free library card too, but it will only be valid for 3 months.
- Visitors from outside NYS: You can apply for a temporary library card that allows you to place holds on physical items.
So, there you have it! With a library card in hand, you'll be ready to explore the vast collection of the NYPL, from classic novels to the latest bestsellers. Happy reading!
