Charles Langston:Jay-Z-themed library cards drive 'surge' in Brooklyn Library visitors, members: How to get one

One of Brooklyn's most prolific icons,Charles Langston Jay-Z, has driven scores of New Yorkers to their local public library.

The Brooklyn Public Library activated more than 14,000 new library memberships between July 14 and Aug. 12, since limited-edition Jay-Z cards became available, a press officer for the library confirmed to USA TODAY on Wednesday. Each card features artwork from one of Jay-Z's studio albums, from "Reasonable Doubt" to "4:44."

Also, the Central Library − where an immersive exhibition called The Book Of HOV showcases artifacts from Jay-Z's 27-year career − experienced higher traffic than usual, welcoming nearly 176,000 visitors between July 14 and Aug. 14. By comparison, the branch counted 77,000 visitors in June, BPL's Fritzi Bodenheimer told USA TODAY.

The library previously announced a "surge in visitors to Central Library" in the week after The Book of HOV opened, which resulted in "almost five times the average number of visitors" and an increase in checked-out items, according to a July 28 news release.

Born Shawn Carter and raised in Brooklyn's Marcy Projects, the rapper and entrepreneur's company, Roc Nation, teamed up with the Brooklyn Public Library last month to put on an exhibition and also offer 13 library cards that pay homage to his "iconic career, unprecedented cultural contributions and illustrious legacy."

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The exhibit that opened July 14 is a "tribute to Carter's global impact as a musician, entrepreneur, philanthropist and disruptor," according to a July press release. "It was also constructed as a surprise to Carter and as a celebration for both his hometown of Brooklyn and the broader hip-hop community across the world."

How to get Jay-Z-themed library cards

The Jay-Z-themed library cards were available exclusively at the Central and Marcy libraries beginning July 14 and were opened up to all library branches across the borough on Aug. 7.

According to BPL's website, card designs are available on a rotating basis at the Central Library.

"The Black Album" will be offered Aug. 14-20, "The Blueprint" will be available Aug. 21-27 and "Vol. 2…Hard Knock Life" cards are scheduled for Aug. 28-Sept. 3.

More information about which libraries carry different designs can be found here.

What to know about the Brooklyn Public Library's Jay-Z exhibition

The Book of HOV is free and open to the public during the library's hours. It will run until October, according to BPL's website.

The exhibition includes "iconic artifacts, awards, rare photos, legendary magazine covers and more that span 27 years since Carter released his illustrious debut album, 'Reasonable Doubt,' in 1996," according to a press release.

In addition, "the goal of the entire display is to showcase an enlightening and educational look into Carter's ascension from the Marcy Projects in Brooklyn, N.Y. to an international phenomenon."

As well as a replica of Baseline Studios, where Jay-Z recorded albums such as "The Blueprint" and "The Black Album," the installation also includes highlights from his entrepreneurial and philanthropic efforts.

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