Our mobile app is here! It features everything you'll need to interact with the Library from your phone:
- Check out books directly from your phone using self-check
- Read eBooks and listen to audiobooks within the app
- Manage all of your family's accounts from one app / one device
- Browse the catalog
- Place an item on hold for pickup at your nearest branch
- Create personal reading lists
- Get information about BPL, including branch locations and hours, and upcoming events
- Access your account details (with login)
- Add a scannable digital Library Card to the app
- Renew holds and pay fees
To download the app, simply search "Brooklyn Public Library" in your app store or click the icons below:
If you're having compatibility issues, you can also install the app from your mobile browser. Learn more about our mobile-optimized catalog here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I download the new app?
The BKLYN Library app is available in all App Stores for Apple users and in the Google Play Store for Android users. Your device must be on iOS version 17.5 to download from the App store.
If you're having compatibility issues with your device, you can install the app from your mobile browser. Learn more about how to download our mobile-optimized catalog here
How is this app different from the previous app?
The new BKLYN Library app contains the same basic functionality as our previous app but introduces more sophisticated browsing and searching features, plus the ability to make and maintain reading lists and read digital books directly in-app.
| Old App | New App | |
|---|---|---|
| Self-checkout | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Switch between multiple accounts | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Manage holds & checkouts | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Pay fines/update contact information | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Digital Library Card | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Reserve/checkout digital items | ✔️ | |
| Read ebooks & audiobooks | ✔️ | |
| Manage booklists | ✔️ | |
| View checkout history | ✔️ | |
| Improved search/browsing | ✔️ |
Will I still be able to use the old BPL app?
The previous BPL app is no longer available for download. Those using the previous app will no longer have access starting January 2025.
Will the BKLYN Library app be replacing Libby?
BPL patrons can continue to use the OverDrive Libby app if they prefer; however the BPL app is a one-stop-show allowing patrons to search for, place holds and checkout materials across all formats in BPL’s collection; view/manage their BPL account; and read digital books in-app.
How do I browse the catalog?
The ‘Search’ button with the magnifying glass icon takes you to the app’s homescreen where you can search our catalog, or select topics you may be interested in.
How do I check out digital books to read directly in the app?
First select the ‘Account’ button at the bottom of the app. Then select the ‘Access’ button on any digital book or audiobook you have checked out. You’ll see the option to ‘Read now in browser’ or ‘Listen now in browser,’ which will open the digital book in the app.
Can I download and read digital books in offline mode?
Yes! You’ll need an internet connection to check out a digital book, but once you open the book and begin reading the digital item will cache locally to your device. You will be able to continue reading the book without an internet connection.
How can I place a physical item on hold for pickup?
Once you find an item, select the ‘Get this item’ button, then your desired pickup branch from the dropdown menu. Select ‘Place a hold.’ You will be notified when your hold is ready for pickup. Change/update your notification preferences at any time in My Account.
How do I view/manage my account details?
Select the ‘Account’ button at the bottom of the app. Then, scroll to the menu options to the right and select ‘Edit Account.’ You will be able to update your contact information, home library, and notice preferences.
Is there a scannable library card in the app?
Yes! Select the ‘Digital Card’ button at the bottom of the app. You will find a scannable digital card that you can use at any BPL service desk or self-check kiosk.
How do I check out physical items directly from my device?
Check out physical items by selecting the ‘Checkout’ button at the bottom of the app. You will find the option to use your device’s camera to scan the barcode of the item you want to check out (or manually type in the item barcode number). Be sure to scan/enter the barcode sticker labeled “Brooklyn Public Library ”, NOT the item’s ISBN barcode.
Can I renew items and pay fees?
Yes! Select the ‘Account’ button at the bottom of the app. Then select the ‘Renew’ button on any items you wish to renew. (If other patrons are waiting for the item, you will not be able to renew.)
If you owe any replacement fees for overdue items, you will see a message at the top of the My Account screen with a link to pay fees. Learn more about BPL’s fees.
Where can I see my checkout history?
BPL will not store your reading history unless you opt-in to this feature. If you navigate to the 'History’ tab in the Account screen, you will see an ‘Opt-in’ button to start recording your reading history.
How do I manage multiple accounts?
There is no limit to the number of accounts you can add to the app. On the top right of the app, you will see a button indicating the current account. Select this button to see a menu, including the option to ‘Add Account.’ Add an account by logging in with that account’s barcode and PIN. After successfully adding at least one new account, you will see an option to ‘Switch Accounts.’ Select ‘Switch accounts’ to change to another user’s account.