Brooklyn Public Library ends passport services after State Department order Brooklyn Paper

"Since 2011, we have processed nearly 300,000 passport applications, providing an accessible service through a trusted neighborhood institution — the public library. The library reached out to the State Department to begin the partnership because it seemed like a natural fit with its existing services."

"The State Department determined that federal law does not allow non-government nonprofits to collect passport application fees. Last fall, the U.S. Department of State sent cease-and-desist letters to hundreds of nonprofit libraries across the country, telling them they were no longer eligible to take part in the Passport Acceptance Facility Program."

"Processing passport applications also generated significant revenue for BPL — tax returns show it brought in $716,450 from passport services in 2023 — but that money basically sustained the passport services operation."

The Brooklyn Public Library discontinued its passport application services on February 27 following a cease-and-desist order from the U.S. Department of State. The State Department determined that federal law prohibits non-government nonprofits from collecting passport application fees. Brooklyn Public Library was the only library system in New York City offering this service, having processed nearly 300,000 passport applications since 2011. The library provided in-person applications at two branches for a $35 fee and offered passport photo services. The program generated $716,450 in revenue in 2023, which sustained the operation. The service was accessible to Brooklynites without home computer access, utilizing library resources.

Read at www.brooklynpaper.com