Boston Public Library E-card
The BPL eCard is available to any Massachusetts resident 13 years or older and provides additional resources for research, personal enrichment, and leisure.
Register for a Boston Public Library (BPL) eCard in two easy steps!
- Create a BPL eCard account HERE (see this help page if needed). TIP: When you are asked to insert a PIN number, make up a 4-digit number that is easy to remember.
- Check your email. You will receive an email with a 14-digit number. This is your library eCard number! TIP: Save this number along with your PIN number in a Word or Google Doc named "BPL" so you can easily find your number and copy and paste it whenever you use BPL online resources. You are now ready to search for resources!
Get to your favorite resources quickly:
For research: BPL has additional resources to enhance your research including:
- Extensive encyclopedia collections in Gale eBooks and CREDO Reference.
- Newspapers including current editions of The New York Times and The Boston Globe, as well as historical newspapers for primary sources.
- A rich collection of databases for the arts such as Grove Art Online, streaming video (opera, theater, dance), music collections (American, jazz, classical, contemporary world music), and more.
- Many other databases: Browse the A-Z collection for the complete list and descriptions.
For personal enrichment and leisure: BPL gives access to shows, movies, ebooks, audiobooks, and more.
- OverDrive eBooks and Audiobooks (Libby app): Thousands of digital titles available for download directly to your computer or mobile device.
- LinkedIn Learning: Video courses in business, software, technology, and creative skills, taught by recognized industry experts.
- LearningExpress Library: Test preparation materials and practice exams for K-12 subjects, high school equivalency, college and graduate admissions, military, U.S. citizenship, and professional licensing and certification exams.
- Mango Languages: An interactive language-learning resource supporting dozens of languages, including Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), English, Hindi, and Spanish
