Hip Hop was born in NYC in 1973. Fifty years later, it's a global force for culture, civil rights, AND music.
We're celebrating Hip Hop's 50th Anniversary with our Special Edition Hip Hop Card, featuring art by the legendary street-wear trailblazers, the Shirt Kings!
QPL’s Special Edition Hip Hop Card is available at all Queens Public Library locations, while supplies last.
Show us how much you love your new card! Post pictures on your social media channels using the hashtag #QPLHipHopCard.
Do it for the culture! Show the world that Hip Hop is here to stay—with your Special Edition Hip Hop Card!
QPL Special Edition Hip Hop Card FAQs
Where can I get QPL’s Special Edition Hip Hop Card?
You can get the card at any Queens Public Library location, while supplies last. See a list of QPL locations here: https://queenslibrary.org/about-us/locations
The QPL Special Edition Hip Hop Card is limited to one (1) card per customer/library account.
The QPL Special Edition Hip Hop Card can only be used at Queens Public Library locations. It will not work at the New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, or any other library system in New York.
What is the significance of the artwork on the card?
The Special Edition Hip Hop Card features art by street-wear pioneers the Shirt Kings. Starting in 1986 from a booth at the Colosseum Mall in Jamaica, Queens, their graffiti-inspired custom clothing designs were embraced by some of the biggest names in Hip Hop. Shirt Kings designs were also featured on album covers and in music videos, and they helped lay the foundation for Hip Hop fashion across the world. Our card reflects the Shirt Kings’ trademark style, while reinforcing the importance of reading, writing, positivity, and fun!
Can anyone of any age get the QPL Special Edition Hip Hop Card?
Yes, anyone of any age who meets the criteria for a QPL card can get this card, while supplies last.
I am a current QPL cardholder. Can I still get the QPL Special Edition Hip Hop Card?
Yes, current cardholders can get the QPL Special Edition Hip Hop Card at no cost. All you need to do is bring your photo ID to a QPL location and speak with a QPL staff member. You can keep your old card as a souvenir or return it to a QPL staff member. Your old card will be deactivated.
I do not live in Queens. Can I still get the QPL Special Edition Hip Hop Card?
Yes. You must live, work, go to school, or own property in New York to receive a free QPL card. If you live out of state, you must pay a $50 fee.
I received my QPL Special Edition Hip Hop Card at the Hip Hop 50 Summit or another event. How do I activate my card?
You can activate your card by visiting the QPL Bookmobile or by coming to any QPL location. If you are an existing QPL cardholder, please bring your photo ID. If you are a new QPL cardholder, please bring your photo ID and proof of your name and address. A QPL staff member will activate your card appropriately. For more details about valid photo identification and proof of name and address, visit here: https://queenslibrary.org/verifying-identity
I got a QPL Special Edition Mets Library Card earlier this year. Can I also get a Hip Hop Card?
Yes, you can get a Hip Hop Card, but please note: after the Hip Hop Card is activated, it will be your only QPL card. Any other QPL card that you have (including the Mets Library Card) will be deactivated. You can keep your Mets Library Card as a souvenir.
I use an IDNYC Card as my library card. Can I still get the QPL Special Edition Hip Hop Card?
Yes, you will need to bring your photo ID to a QPL location and speak with a QPL staff member. Once you activate your QPL Special Edition Hip Hop Card, your IDNYC card will no longer work as a QPL card. You can still use your IDNYC card at other cultural institutions, the New York Public Library, and Brooklyn Public Library.
There is a long line at my QPL location to get a QPL Special Edition Hip Hop Card. Is there any way I can make this process quicker?
If you are a current QPL cardholder, you will need to wait to speak to a QPL staff member – please have your photo ID ready. If you are a new cardholder, you can start the process by completing an e-card registration form online. Then, show your confirmation email, along with your proof of address, to a QPL staff member. The e-card registration form can be found here: https://queenslibrary.org/get-a-card/eUser
How long will the QPL Special Edition Hip Hop Card be available?
The card will be available while supplies last. There are limited quantities at each QPL location.