This summer’s hottest item can be found in public libraries in Brooklyn—a limited-edition Jay-Z library card. And it’s bringing people into the library.
Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) has issued library cards featuring the rapper, who was born in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, in conjunction with the library’s temporary exhibition, The Book of HOV, which celebrates Jay-Z’s life and career through rare photos, original recordings, videos, and other artifacts.
The cards are adorned with artwork from Jay-Z’s 13 solo albums, and BPL branches are issuing different cards to encourage patrons to visit libraries across the borough. Thirteen different Jay-Z-themed library cards are available for free for New York State residents, but only one card will be activated to a BPL account to check out resources.
The cards have increased membership by 14,000 accounts this month, the library said.
“The community’s enthusiastic response to this exhibition is a testament to Jay-Z’s immense impact,” Linda E. Johnson, BPL President and Chief Executive, told CNN.
The cards are part of a larger effort across all of New York City’s libraries this year to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and the city’s role in its birth and growth.
Library Card Sign-up Month is coming up fast! Observed every September, Library Card Sign-Up Month offers an opportunity to get involved with your local library and check out all the great services it offers your community. Here are a few ways you can celebrate and help spread the word about the joys of getting a library card.
