Brooklyn Public Library Card Perks: Free Museums, Tools, Classes and More
A library card membership once meant a gateway to towering stacks, quiet corners and the thrill of walking home with a new book in hand. Today’s Brooklyn Public Library still delivers all of that but it’s also home to an entire ecosystem of culture, learning and useful life upgrades you might not expect.
From museum access to telescopes (yes, telescopes), your card is a small piece of plastic with an outsized amount of possibility. In this post, we’re sharing some of our favorite perks of being a Brooklyn Public Library cardholder.
1. Reading in many formats
Sure, your library membership gives you the ability to head to your local Brooklyn branch and check out your favorite books, but did you know you also get access to eBooks, audiobooks and digital magazines without even leaving your home?
2. Taking classes
From Park Slope to Bay Ridge, and Carroll Gardens to Kensington, each Brooklyn Public Library offers a calendar of classes and events that encompass citizenship program and G.E.D. preparation, kids’ crafts, English class, homework help, fitness, story time and more.
3. Free access to museums and theaters
As a cardholder, you have access to Culture Pass, a program for library patrons 13 and older where you can reserve a pass and get free admission to a variety of NYC cultural institutions.
4. A reason to dust off your DVD, CD or vinyl player
If you still have a DVD, CD or vinyl player, great! Because with a membership you can rent both from your local branch. Browse the vinyl collection or search for DVDs.
5. Seeing the stars
Brooklyn cardholders can also borrow telescopes, courtesy of the Amateur Astronomers Association.
6. Playing a musical instrument
Whether you’ve always wanted to try your hand at banjo or you want to pick up from where you left off on your grade school drum lessons, you can borrow an instrument for free through NYC’s first-ever public musical instrument lending library.
7. Out-of-state book access for teens
You might be surprised to know that you don’t have to be a NY resident to qualify for this perk. Teens and young adults between 13 and 21 years old outside the state can get a free Books Unbanned eCard so they can have access to frequently banned materials, many of which contain LGBTQIA+ characters or themes or cover topics of race, racism, equity and social justice.
8. Borrowing tools
Have a DIY project you’ve been putting off because you don’t have the right tool? Head to the Greenpoint Library Tool Library to borrow different types of saws, drills, impact drivers, staple guns, hammers and more.
9. Taking advantage of technology
Library members can reserve a computer session, get free one-on-one tech help, borrow a laptop or print stuff out.
10. Booking a recording session
If at least one member of your session party is over 18, you can rent an amateur studio to record music, a podcast or anything else you’d like in branches such as Sunset Park.
11. Playing board games
Whether you’re short on funds, closet space or simply aren’t ready to commit to a board game, with your membership you can check one out from the Board Game Library for free. Choose from a range of games for kids, two players, single players or parties.
12. Hosting a meeting
And last but not least, many Brooklyn library locations have meeting rooms members can book for studying, working or other group activities as long as they’re not for commercial purposes or business solicitation.
A Card That Unlocks a Bigger Brooklyn
A Brooklyn Public Library card is one of those small things that quietly makes everyday life bigger, a little easier and more interesting. Whether you’re checking out an eBook from the comfort of your couch, borrowing a drill or scoring free tickets to a museum you’ve been meaning to visit forever, your card gives you access to a city’s worth of curiosity—and most of it doesn’t cost a thing.
If you don’t already have a card, consider this your nudge. And if you do? It might be time to see what else it can do for you.
For more book-loving inspiration, explore our blogs on our favorite Brooklyn bookstores and Black-owned NYC bookshops.
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