Brooklyn Public Library has reunited with Jay-Z to commemorate two of his classic albums with a special library card run.
On Monday (June 22), the library announced that the JAY-Z30 limited-edition library card will be distributed beginning June 25, the same date Jay-Z's debut Reasonable Doubt turns 30 years old. The card also pays homage the 25th anniversary of The Blueprint, which released on September 11, 2001. The 25-time Grammy winner will perform cuts from both albums during his 3-night residency at Yankee Stadium, which begins July 10.
The library card is free and will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis at all Brooklyn Public Library locations.
The release lands during a pivotal time in New York City for the 4:44 artist. Last week, Roc Nation announced a free two-day pop-up in DUMBO and Manhattan on June 25, also aligned to the anniversary of Reasonable Doubt. Then, along with a special Reasonable Doubt performance at Yankee Stadium on July 10, a live tribute to The Blueprint will be held on July 11, followed by "Extra Innings" on July 12. The concerts succeed Hov’s return to the stage at Roots Picnic earlier this month after a nearly 10-year hiatus from live performances.
The library card drop is preceded by Jay-Z’s "Book of HOV" exhibit at Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Branch, where 13 limited-edition cards were produced, each covered with art from a Jay-Z album spanning Reasonable Doubt to 4:44. The exhibit, which featured archival Jay-Z material, photographs, handwritten lyrics and demo cassettes, ran from July to December 2023.
Jay-Z's live performance engagements continue internationally this year, with dates at Paris' Stade de France on September 10 and Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium on October 23.
