Celebrate the work of JAY-Z with 13 limited-edition library cards honoring each iconic album

For decades, Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter has redefined and elevated music and culture on a global scale. Now, Roc Nation and Brooklyn Public Library are partnering to present the first exhibition dedicated to the Brooklyn native’s monumental work. The Book of HOV— one of the few exhibits of its scope to be housed in an active public space— is a free, immersive experience featuring never-before-seen images, art and ephemera from the artist's archives, providing viewers with an unparalleled look at an extraordinary life and career.

As part of the celebration and in honor of JAY-Z’s unparalleled body of work, Brooklyn Public Library and Roc Nation have joined forces to create 13 limited-edition library cards, each featuring art from an iconic JAY-Z album—from Reasonable Doubt to 4:44. 

The Book of HOV library card designs are available at branches across Brooklyn. See below for the locations of each design.

At Central Library, individual card designs are available on a rotating basis. Here is the upcoming schedule:

  • Blueprint 3: Available September 25 - October 1
  • The Blueprint: Available October 2 - October 8
  • Vol. 2...Hard Knock Life: Available October 9 - October 15

A Brooklyn Public Library card is all New Yorkers need to access millions of free books and media; vinyl records and musical instruments; free passes to cultural organizations; and programming, classes, social services and resources for every stage of life. Get yours while supplies last!

Select cards are now available at branches throughout Brooklyn. View all 13 The Book of HOV cards:

The library card for Vol. 2 Hard Knock Life
Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life

Available at the following locations:

 

Library card version of Blueprint
The Blueprint

Available at the following locations:

Library card of The Black Album
The Black Album

Available at the following locations: 

Library card of Reasonable Doubt
Reasonable Doubt

Available at the following locations:

 
Library card In My Lifetime
In My Lifetime, Vol. 1

Available at the following locations:

Library Card of Dynasty
Dynasty

Available at the following locations:

Library Card of Magna Carta
Magna Carta Holy Grail

Available at the following locations:

Library Card of Volume 3
Blueprint 2

Available at the following locations:

Library card of Blueprint 3
Blueprint 3

Available at the following locations

Library Card of American Gangster
American Gangster

Available at the following locations:

Library Card of Life and Times
Vol. 3: Life and Times of S. Carter

Available at the following locations:

Library Card for 4:44
4:44

Available at the following locations:

Library Card of Kingdom Come
Kingdom Come

Available at the following locations:

 

 

 

 

Get a Library Card

Brooklyn Public Library's card is free for anyone who lives, works, pays property taxes or goes to school in New York state.  Proof of eligibility is required (i.e. current driver's license, paystub, utility bill, etc. For a full list, click here). All patrons must be present in person to receive The Book of HOV library card, regardless of age,

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Experience The Book of HOV Exhibition

Brooklyn Public Library is pleased to present The Book of HOV, an installation created by Roc Nation to celebrate the life and work of Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter. The Book of HOV features never-before-seen images, art and ephemera from the artist's archives, providing an unparalleled look at an extraordinary life and career. This free, immersive experience is one of the only installations of its scope to be housed in an active public space and features text, audio and curation by Roc Nation teams and partners. Learn more about each experience in the exhibit at thebookofhov.com

Learn more

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get The Book of HOV library card? 

If you already have a Brooklyn Public Library account, you can simply visit a BPL location and request the card design available there. If you don't have an account, apply for a library card and request The Book of HOV card as your preferred design.  Select card designs are now available at BPL branches across Brooklyn.

Those who are not eligible to receive a BPL card are not eligible to be issued The Book of HOV card. 

Can I collect all 13 library card designs? 

We hope you do! There is a limit of 13 Book of HOV cards per person—one card of each design—but you can keep your previously issued cards. There is no need to exchange or trade in your existing card. 

Note: This card is limited-edition and the designs will only be available while supplies last. 

Do I have to pay to get this card? 

No. You must have an active BPL account to be issued a card and there is no fee to add extra cards to your account 

I don't live in Brooklyn. Can I request a card to be sent to me? 

BPL cards are available to anyone who lives, works, or pays taxes in New York state. However, you must visit a branch in person to receive a card.

Digital versions of the library card are available when you visit My Account. To add a Book of HOV theme to your digital library card, click on the "Account" tab, select "Theme My Card" and choose Book of HOV.