Learned something new in New York City

"It was a dark and stormy night."

Scratch that, "It was a cold and windy day."

We were early for our Broadway Up Close tour and it was cold out. It was sunny, but the bitterly cold wind made gave the temperature a "feels like" in the teens. We stopped into the New York Public Library to keep warm. After looking at the long line for their Treasure, we walked over to the visitors center. I noticed a sign saying anyone could get a library card and thus gain access to their vast eBooks collection.

I got my first library card from the Paramus Public Library as soon as I was old enough to have my own. When I lived in Belgium, I signed up for one from the main library in Liege. In college, my ID was also my library card. When we lived in Trenton I was able to get a Mercer County library card because I worked in Mercer County. When I lost it along with my job I was most disappointed, and made sure to sign up again as soon as I had a new job.

But a NYPL card in that moment felt magical.

Our wonderful 5-star library cut back on eBooks due to budget restrictions. I prefer books made out of paper, but eBooks are a lot lighter to carry on trips. With my new library card, I can now fill up my Kindle before a trip.

While reading a Facebook post I learned about another benefit to having a NYPL card -- I can request a pro shot of any Broadway show and watch it in a carrel. This opens up new possibilities on those days we have a few hours and nothing specific to do in New York, especially on those blustery cold winter days. 

There are catches. You also need an archival pass (also granted for free), and the viewing room has different hours from the rest of the library, so bring some patience, but it can be done. Shows I wanted to see on Broadway, but did not get a chance to see, or that I loved when I did see it, can be viewed.

What I really need to do is start a list!

PS: One caveat, the pass has to be renewed in person every three months.