A BPL card is a Below Poverty Line card used by the government of India to indicate economic disadvantage and to identify individuals and households in need of government assistance and aid. It is determined using various parameters which vary from region to region. Families having less than 15 marks out of maximum 52 marks have been classified as BPL. The BPL method employed to measure the number of people living in poverty in India takes food, clothing, housing, and sanitation into account along with literacy and labor status.

It is important to note that the term "BPL card" can also refer to a library card issued by the Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) in New York. BPL library cards are free for anyone who lives, works, pays property taxes, or attends school in New York State. However, non-New York State residents ages 13-21 can apply for a free BPL eCard, providing access to the librarys full eBook and audiobook collection as well as learning databases.

A Welcome Card issued by BPL allows instant access to the librarys eBook and audiobook collection, databases, and computers and printing, plus limited physical borrowing (max 3 holds, max 3 checkouts). A Welcome Card expires every year. BPL no longer issues eCards effective October 2022 (current eCard accounts will not be impacted). Existing eCard accounts will begin to expire in March 2023. When an eCardholder renews their account, it will renew as a Welcome Card.

To upgrade to a full-access library card, visit a BPL branch with a current photo ID with proof of address. A full-access library card unlocks all resources and services the library has to offer, including full access to the circulating collection, laptop loan, checkout of specialty items, and Meeting Room reservations, in addition to the librarys online resources, computer use, and printing/copy services.