Library for the Commonwealth
The Boston Public Library (BPL) also acts as the Library for the Commonwealth (LFC) and provides all Massachusetts residents with a Boston Public Library card for unrestricted borrowing privileges.
Residents who are far from Boston, however, or are unable to travel to Boston, also have instant access to online services with a BPL eCard, including a broad selection of eBooks, electronic databases, downloadable audio books, music, video, and digital magazines.
eCard
The first thing you should do to access the BPL's Library for the Commonwealth online resources is register for an eCard. eCards are available to anyone who lives, resides part-time to attend school, owns property, or works in Massachusetts.
eCards expire every 2 years, but are renewable online. An eCard can be upgraded a physical BPL card with borrowing privileges by vising a BPL location with photo ID and proof of a Massachusetts address.
Online Resources
With your BPL eCard, you can access much of the BPL's online resources from the comforts of your own home. Simply go www.bpl.org/online-resources to view all of the available online resources to Massachusetts residents.
Electronic Collections
You can use your eCard to access the BPL's e-collections too! Read, listen, and watch by downloading media to your personal devices or stream online. Some of these services are also available with your CW MARS/Milford Town Library card, and can be used in conjunction with the BPL.
OverDrive eBooks and Audiobooks
Thousands of digital titles available for download directly to your computer or mobile device.
Hoopla Streaming Media
Movies, TV shows, music, eBooks, and comics for online streaming or download to mobile devices, with no waiting lists. Borrow up to 10 items per calendar month.
Kanopy
Kanopy includes acclaimed movies and documentaries on-demand from award-winning filmmakers. Browse the collection of over 30,000 documentaries, classic films, world cinema, popular movies and films for children of all ages.
Skill Building and Workplace Development
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning offers 16,000 video courses in business, software, technology, and creative skills, taught by recognized industry experts. Courses are offered in English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Mandarin, and Portuguese.
LearningExpress Library
Test preparation materials and practice exams for K-12 subjects, high school equivalency, college and graduate admissions, military, US citizenship, and professional licensing and certification exams.
Mango Languages
An interactive language-learning resource supporting dozens of languages, including Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), English, Hindi, and Spanish.