This Banned Books Week, we are excited to debut Queens Public Library's new Freedom to Read Special Edition Library Card!
The Freedom to Read Card features artwork by Sammi Wu, the winner of our Library Card Design Contest.
QPL’s Freedom to Read Special Edition Library Card is available now at all Queens Public Library locations, while supplies last.
Thank you to Freedom to Read Card artist Sammi Wu, NYS Assembly Member Catalina Cruz, NYC Council Member Shekar Krishnan, and everyone who joined us on October 4 at Jackson Heights Library as we celebrated the debut of QPL's Freedom to Read Special Edition Library Card!
Show us how much you love your new card — post pictures on your social media channels, tag us @QPLNYC, and use the hashtag #FreedomToRead.
Let everyone know that you support the Freedom to Read with your Special Edition Library Card!
QPL Freedom to Read Special Edition Library Card FAQs
Where can I get QPL’s Freedom to Read Special Edition Library 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 Freedom to Read Special Edition Library Card is limited to one (1) card per customer/library account.
The QPL Freedom to Read Special Edition Library 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 Freedom to Read Special Edition Library Card features artwork by Sammi Wu, the winner of our Library Card Design Contest. Sammi says about her design: "I was very fortunate to grow up in a very diverse borough. We're called The World's Borough for a reason, and I wanted to represent that through the design, how reading can really build those moments of connection between people of all different walks of life." Learn More about Sammi and the inspiration for her design.
Can anyone of any age get the QPL Freedom to Read Special Edition Library 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 Freedom to Read Special Edition Library Card?
Yes, current cardholders can get the Freedom to Read Special Edition Library 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 library card as a souvenir (including previous Special Edition cards like the QPL Mets Library Card and the QPL Hip Hop Library Card), 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 Freedom to Read Special Edition Library 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 use an IDNYC Card as my library card. Can I still get the QPL Freedom to Read Special Edition Library 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 Freedom to Read Special Edition Library 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 Freedom to Read Special Edition Library 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 Freedom to Read Special Edition Library Card be available?
The card will be available while supplies last. There are limited quantities at each QPL location.
Freedom to Read: Homepage | Freedom to Read: Booklist | Freedom to Read: Programs | Freedom to Read: More Ways to Support