The Brooklyn Public Library partnered with Jay-Z's Roc Nation to release 13 limited-edition library cards with artwork from Jay-Z albums. The promotion, in honor of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, has already been a huge success, resulting in 14,000 new library accounts, according to a library spokesperson. The Brooklyn Central Library is also hosting an exhibit exploring Jay-Z’s career through rare photos, original recordings, videos and other artifacts.
“The community’s enthusiastic response to this exhibition is a testament to Jay-Z’s immense impact,” Brooklyn Public Library President Linda E. Johnson said. “The cards are now sort of becoming a collector's item. You need to travel around to different branches in order to get all 13.”
The free cards are available to New York State residents through the end of August. Complete sets of all 13 are popping up on eBay for upwards of $1,000.