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Popular Library

Brooklyn Public Library's Popular Library collection contains the most frequently used resources at Central Library. These consist of our wide collection of periodicals (magazines and newspapers), VHS videos and DVDs, CDs, audiobooks (on CD and cassette tape), newly-released fiction and non-fiction books (including bestsellers), periodicals indexes and microfilms, and our computer terminals where patrons can access both our catalog and the Internet. All of these services are ABC-library-card-based, which requires a patron to have an ABC card, to create a PIN (personal identification number, or password) for this card and, for certain services, to add monetary value to the card.

Periodicals

We have a wide assortment of popular magazines and newspapers as well as many scholarly journals. There are additional periodicals titles available from areas restricted to the public which can be requested by patrons through public service staff.

Periodicals Indexes

We have a number of indexes to our periodicals literature, e.g. New York Times Index and the NY Times "Personal Names" Index, etc..

Microfilm/Microfiche/Readers

We carry a variety of periodicals titles on microfilm and microfiche; patrons may access titles themselves or through public service staff. We specialize in many local Brooklyn newspaper titles.

Bookcall

Through this service, patrons can request both reference (in-library only) and non-reference (available for check-out) items through public service staff at the reference desk.

Videos/DVDs/CDs

Our VHS video/DVD collection consists of feature films and non-fiction videos. The non-fiction titles are in subject-area categories. We also have a separate section for children's videos/DVDs/audiobooks.

Holds

Holds (also known as "reserves") are any non-reference materials available for check-out that a patron may reserve. Holds can be requested by patrons through the My Account feature on the Online Library Catalog website, at a lobby computer or through public service staff at a reference desk in any division of Central Library. Popular Library is the central location for patrons to pick up their holds.

Computers/Printers/Add-Value Kiosks

Patrons can make free use of our computers. There is a charge for print-outs. Patrons can add money to their cards at the "Add-Value" kiosks. Cash and major credit cards are accepted. Patrons should note that no change or "cash back" is provided.

Wireless

We are a "hot spot" for wireless network use.

TRS Assistance

Computer-use assistance is provided to all patrons by our Technology Resource Specialists (TRSs). They provide any help needed by patrons at the computer.

New Books

Looking for something to read? The "New Books" section is the place to find new fiction and non-fiction books, including many bestsellers, in areas such as popular literature, biography, history, science, sociology, art, and music.

Photo Copiers

We have photocopy machines. A library card and PIN (personal identification number) are required to use them. There is a charge for photocopies.