NYPL Catalog: Search New York Public Library Books & Media
The New York Public Library (NYPL) catalog provides access to one of the world’s greatest library collections — over 46 million items across 92 locations in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. The online catalog at catalog.nypl.org lets you search books, eBooks, audiobooks, DVDs, research materials, and digital resources. NYPL also offers SimplyE, a unique eBook app with over 300,000 titles and no waitlists on many books. Whether you need the latest bestseller, academic research materials from the Schwarzman Building, or free streaming through Kanopy, this guide covers everything about using the NYPL catalog effectively in 2026.
How to Search the NYPL Catalog
Access the catalog at catalog.nypl.org — available 24/7, no library card required to browse.
Search by title, author, keyword, or ISBN. The main search bar at catalog.nypl.org accepts all search types. Results include physical items at branches and digital resources.
Filter results. Narrow by format (book, eBook, audiobook, DVD), language (90+ languages available), branch location, availability, audience, and publication date.
Check availability. Click any result to see which branches have copies, shelf status, due dates, and call numbers. NYPL’s 92 locations mean items are usually available somewhere nearby.
Place a hold or access digitally. Log in with your NYPL card and PIN. Place holds for branch pickup or access eBooks/audiobooks through SimplyE and Libby directly from the catalog.
SimplyE: NYPL’s Unique eBook App
300,000+ Titles
SimplyE aggregates eBooks and audiobooks from multiple sources: OverDrive, bibliotheca, open-access collections, and NYPL’s own digitized materials. One app, massive selection.
No Waitlists on Many Titles
Unlike Libby where popular titles have long waitlists, SimplyE includes many open-access and always-available titles you can borrow instantly. Perfect for readers who want something now.
Free for iOS & Android
Download SimplyE from the App Store or Google Play. Sign in with your NYPL card number and PIN. Browse, borrow, and read — all within the app. Books return automatically.
Digital Resources Through NYPL
| Platform | Content | Access |
|---|---|---|
| SimplyE | eBooks & audiobooks (300K+) | App (iOS/Android) |
| Libby | eBooks & audiobooks (OverDrive) | App or browser |
| Kanopy | Streaming movies & documentaries | App or browser |
| LinkedIn Learning | Professional courses | Browser |
| NYPL Digital Collections | 900K+ digitized items (photos, maps, manuscripts) | digitalcollections.nypl.org |
NYPL Research Catalog
NYPL maintains separate research libraries with non-circulating collections. The research catalog covers materials at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building (42nd Street), Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Library for the Performing Arts, and Science, Industry and Business Library (SASB). These collections include rare books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, prints, archival materials, and special collections. Materials must be used on-site in the reading rooms — they cannot be checked out. Request items through the catalog and they will be delivered to your desk in the reading room.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search the NYPL catalog online?
Visit catalog.nypl.org. Search by title, author, keyword, or ISBN. Filter by format, language, branch, and availability. No card needed to search.
Can I reserve books online at NYPL?
Yes. Log in at catalog.nypl.org, find your item, click Place a Hold, and choose from 92 pickup locations. Up to 15 holds allowed. Items held 10 days.
What is SimplyE?
NYPL’s free eBook app with 300,000+ titles. Unlike Libby, many SimplyE titles have no waitlists. Download for iOS or Android, sign in with your NYPL card.
What digital resources does NYPL offer?
SimplyE, Libby, Kanopy (streaming), LinkedIn Learning, 100+ research databases, and NYPL Digital Collections (900K+ digitized items). All free with an NYPL card.
Does NYPL have a research catalog?
Yes. The research catalog covers non-circulating materials at Schwarzman Building, Schomburg Center, Library for the Performing Arts, and SASB. Materials used on-site only.
Study & Reading Essentials
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