3 days ago
You can now rep the New York Liberty with a special-edition library card
The 2024 WNBA champs just pulled off another slam dunk—this time, for bookworms. Starting June 2, Brooklyn Public Library will release 100,000 limited-edition library cards celebrating the New York Liberty, complete with an appearance by the team's viral mascot and fashion icon, Ellie the Elephant.
Available at all open BPL branches, the special-edition card is part of a summer-long collaboration between the Liberty and the library system to boost access to reading, sport and community engagement across the borough. Whether you're a diehard fan, a library regular or just obsessed with Ellie's tunnel fits, the Liberty card is yours to claim, one per account, while supplies last.
The collab is a centerpiece of Brooklyn Basketball, a seasonal partnership between the team and BPL that includes curated book lists, themed programming and, naturally, a few flashy activations. The launch will be celebrated during Ellie's Birthday at the June 1 Liberty game at Barclays Center. Expect a full-court press of literary fun, including a photobooth, bookmobile, and custom bookmarks linking to Ellie-approved reads like Remember Us by Jacqueline Woodson and Lola Joins the Team by Keka Novales.
If you already have a library card, you can still snag the new one—just visit your local BPL branch and ask to activate your Liberty edition. Any New Yorker who lives, works, pays property taxes or goes to school in the state qualifies for a card (proof required, so bring that paystub or utility bill).
Of course, this isn't just a cute piece of plastic. A BPL card unlocks access to millions of free books, media, classes, cultural passes and even musical instruments. And this summer, it's also a badge of honor for fans of one of the most talked-about teams in sports.
Fresh off a record-breaking season, with 26 sellouts, 152-percent growth in season ticket holders, and viral merch moments led by Ellie, Liberty fever is real. The team was recently named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies of 2025, proving what fans already know: this is more than basketball. So go ahead—rep your team, support your library and get reading.
