Teacher Library Card
Teachers from public and independent schools, licensed childcare centers, and special education programs can apply online for a Teacher Library Card. Expired Teacher Library Cards can be renewed at any of BPL’s 60 neighborhood locations.
Features:
- No fees for late returns or renewals
- Borrow children’s books, children’s audiobooks, children’s CDs, young adult paperback books and adult paperback books
- Borrow up to 99 items
- Borrow all material for 21 days
- Place holds on up to 50 items
We hope this card will allow you to take advantage of the Library’s rich collection for your students!
Applying for a Teacher Library Card
Who can apply for a Teacher Library Card?
Teachers from public and private schools, licensed child care centers, and special education programs as well as homeschooling parents and guardians can apply in person at any of BPL’s 60 neighborhood libraries or online.
How does a teacher apply for a Teacher Library Card?
Apply online at https://bpl.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/patron/teacher.aspx. Once the application is submitted, you can pick up your teacher card at your local library by supplying acceptable identification.
What is acceptable identification?
A current school-issued or program-issued photo ID, or
A current letter on the school’s or program’s letterhead confirming employment and NYS photo ID, or
During a class visit, a valid NYS photo ID (no letter necessary), or
For parents or guardians homeschooling their children, a current copy of the child’s Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP)
How much does it cost to get a Teacher Library Card?
A Teacher Library Card is free for teachers in New York State. There is no charge for replacement cards if a Teacher Library Card is lost.
Do Teacher Library Cards expire?
Teacher Library Cards are issued for the school year and expire on June 30. You can renew your card by providing current acceptable ID along with your Teacher Library Card at any BPL location. Your Teacher Library Card account must be in good standing at the time of renewal.
My card expired; is my account “in good standing”?
There must be no overdue, billed, or lost items on your Teacher Card to be considered “in good standing.”
I already have a personal library card; can you change it into a Teacher Library Card?
Teacher Library Cards have different rules associated with them. You cannot use your personal library account as a Teacher Library Card, nor are we able to change cards. Teacher Library Cards can only borrow limited material, so it is better to maintain your personal account separately.
Can I still apply for a Teacher Library Card if I owe fines on my personal library card?
Because the accounts are separate, you can still apply for a Teacher Card. You must keep your Teacher Card in good standing to continue to use it.
Borrowing Guidelines for Teacher Library Cards
What can I borrow with a Teacher Library Card?
Teacher cards can borrow the following materials only:
- Juvenile paperback
- Juvenile hard covers
- Juvenile large print
- Juvenile audio books
- Juvenile book & CD sets
- Juvenile audio CD sets
- Adult & Young Adult paperbacks
Note: Staff cannot check out blocked materials.
How long can I borrow materials for?
All items are checked out for 21 days. If you need them longer, you can renew them by logging into My Account and choosing Renew All. Items on hold or that have reached billed status cannot be renewed.
Are there any fees?
There are no fees for renewing or returning your materials late. If you lose any items or do not return them, you will be responsible for the cost of the items.
If you are attempting to renew your items but encounter a problem because the materials have reached billed status, you can return them and the fees will be removed from the account.
I cannot return the material I borrowed anytime soon, can I mail them?
Contact your local library and ask the staff to mail you a prepaid return label with the branch’s address. Once you receive the label, you can attach it to any brown cardboard box suitable for mailing.
