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New York Public Library (NYPL)

New York Public Library (NYPL)

by The New York Public Library

111 ratings
78 reviews
#148 in free Book
📚 Education
📚 Books
Free

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • October 13, 2020
  • August 13, 2026

Features

Developer

The New York Public Library
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New York Public Library (NYPL) screenshot #1 for iPhone
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New York Public Library (NYPL) screenshot #5 for iPhone
New York Public Library (NYPL) screenshot #6 for iPhone
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About

Access the full power of a major public library from your mobile device. Search the catalog, reserve books for pickup, and manage your account, including renewals and fee payments. Discover nearby branches and upcoming events.

✓Search library catalog
✓Request books for pickup
✓Mobile self-checkout
✓Renew borrowed materials
✓Pay library fees
✓Find nearest branches
✓Discover upcoming programs
Show original description

What users say

Summarized from real user reviews of New York Public Library (NYPL). Based on 111 reviews and a 2.6/5 average, it highlights the 9 positives and 18 negatives reviewers mention most about this Books app.

Positive things

  • 👍Mobile checkout is great
  • 👍Self checkout is awesome
  • 👍Easy to reserve books
  • 👍Good for checking book availability
  • 👍App has potential
  • 👍Great graphics (mentioned once)
  • 👍Magazine search easy
  • 👍Events virtual accessible
  • 👍Library hours easy

Negative things

  • 🐛Glitchy and buggy app
  • 🐛Far from intuitive
  • 🐛Poorly organized
  • 🐛Difficult to use
  • 🐛Losing functionality
  • 🐛Not optimized for iPads
  • 🐛Slow to load
  • 🐛Freezes often
  • 🐛Clunky and hard to use
  • 🐛Doesn't work on work WiFi
  • 🐛Loading spinner too long
  • 🐛Crashes constantly
  • 🐛Mobile checkout issues
  • 🐛Outdated UI/UX
  • 🐛Cannot pay fines in app
  • 🐛Doesn't integrate with Kindle
  • 🐛Doesn't deal with ebooks
  • 🐛Requires multiple apps for digital content
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What's New in New York Public Library (NYPL)

2026.08.00

August 13, 2026

-Introduces the ability to add your library card to your Apple Wallet -Moves the barcode for the in-app library card to better accommodate desk mounted scanners -Addresses bugs around holds appearing as suspendible or cancellable as appropriate -Corrects a bug where items would not appear as eligible for a hold in some cases when accessed from your account -Other bug fixes and performance improvements

More

Charts

Top Free

📉 148-10

Book

This app dropped -10 positions in Book chart.

Last updated on August 29, 2026.

User reviews

Most RecentHighest RatedLowest Rated

Surprisingly bad. Sadly.

I’m surprised with all the passionate, talented, and dedicated people that work for the NYPL, that this app was the best they could produce. Surely they have someone who teaches a class on end user interface or something similar. If not they have a book on it.

Allow us to select multiple format filters for one basic thing. Make it search, not catalog. Or change “catalog” to a browse/discovery option and add a prominent search function. No the current is not well designed or placed. It’s honestly very poor. Allow change of default library branch in app for those who’ve moved.
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xrj0110xrj0110

False Advertising

Latest update of app claims that it now allows you to add your NYPL card to Apple Wallet

BUT there’s still NO way to add your NYPL card to Apple Wallet

Looked everywhere on app but functionality isn’t there
SLEATERROGUESLEATERROGUE

New update is terrible

My main purpose for using the app is searching for books I want and placing a hold on them for checkout. With the new app I am no longer able to place holds on books. Why not? And why would you update an app in this way? The new app is virtually useless for me.
Mujd96Mujd96

New version is awful

The latest update is awful. I assume they didn’t test it with any real users because it never would have been approved. Please fix it 😫
My real name was taken12My real name was taken12

could be much better

quiet unfortunate that this app is so confusing and terribly designed. why can’t you see how many people are on hold for a book until you actually go and put it on hold?? new design is fine but why is the website UI totally different and better than this
Rach5517Rach5517
See 73 more reviews

Developer apps

Open eBooks
Open eBooks

by The New York Public Library

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(30)

Free
SimplyE
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(8.5K)

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See developer apps

User experience

🐞

Reported Bugs

11 issues

App shows zero books checked out/on hold

Bug

Search results don't show call numbers or availability

Bug

App is blank

Bug

App won't stay open after update

Bug

Screen freezes when opening title page

Bug

Takes forever to load book details and location

Bug

Catalog searches return no results

Bug

App won't accept credentials/barcode/password

Bug

App crashes when selecting a book from search results

Bug

Holds are not successfully placed

Bug

App doesn't link all media types in search

Bug
✨

Requested Features

12 requests

List function for saved searches

Feature

Smoother visual design

Feature

See all checked out items for all accounts without multiple steps

Feature

Permanent default library setting

Feature

Mobile checkout feature to work

Feature

Reserve book to go to a branch feature to work

Feature

Show all library branches in search results

Feature

Add NYPL card to Apple Wallet

Feature

Improve UI/UX for holds screen

Feature

Allow paying fines and fees through the app

Feature

Integrate eBook borrowing (e.g., Kindle)

Feature

Consolidate all library information into one app

Feature

FAQ

What can I do with the New York Public Library app?

The app allows you to search the library's catalog, request books for pickup at your preferred branch, and use your phone for self-checkout. You can also renew borrowed materials and pay any outstanding fees directly through the app.

Is the New York Public Library app free to use?

Yes, the app is completely free to download and use. It provides access to all the services offered by the New York Public Library without any cost to the user.

How do I find my nearest library branch?

The app features a function to locate your nearest library branch. Simply open the app, and it will help you find branches based on your current location, making it easy to visit in person.

Can I discover events and programs through the app?

Yes, the app allows you to find out about upcoming programs and events happening at your local library branch. This is a great way to stay informed about community activities and educational opportunities.

What devices is the New York Public Library app compatible with?

While specific compatibility details are not provided, public library apps are typically designed for both iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. Users can usually download it from their respective app stores.