Boston Public Library eCard

Text below by Anna Fahey-Flynn, Collaborative Services Manager for the Boston Public Library. (Updated 4/10/2020 to include additional resources)

Free Online Resources from the Boston Public Library


Anyone who lives, works, attends school, or owns property in Massachusetts can have a Boston Public Library card.

Many people begin with an eCard to gain immediate access to the BPL's digital resources.  An eCard opens the door to free e-books and audiobooks; online database subscriptions; streaming music, television, and video; digital magazines and newspapers; online language learning programs, career resources, and more. 

Get a Boston Public Library eCard

  1. Visit: www.bpl.org/ecard.
  2. Click "registration form," located next to "Can I register for a library card online?"
  3. Fill out the form.
Once you've signed up, access the BPL's Online Resources

  1. Visit  www.bpl.org.
  2. Click on the "Electronic Resources" tab.

Library for the Commonwealth


Through the Library for the Commonwealth program, the Boston Public Library offers services to residents of Massachusetts wherever they live, whenever they need them.  Some of these services include:
  • Boston Public Library card
  • E-books, audiobooks, music, and video
  • Digital magazines
  • Reference & research resources
  • Statewide digital library
    • BPL provides access to over 300,000 hosted resources and over 800,000 links to local town records, research collections of public and academic institutions, historical societies, and archives across the state.
    • BPL offers free digitization services to cultural heritage institutions across Massachusetts.
    • Check out Massachusetts' digital library at digitalcommonwealth.org.