Program provides free access to digital newspapers, magazines, audiobooks and e-books for commuters
Commuters can enjoy more than 1,600 items from the Boston Public Library’s catalogue without the need for a library card by scanning a QR code located on signage by Foxboro Station Patriot Place, in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), Foxborough’s Boyden Library and Boston Public Library announced today that the Browse, Borrow, Board program is now live at Foxboro Station. The program provides free access for commuters to enjoy more than 1,600 digital newspapers, magazines, audiobooks and e-books from the Boston Public Library’s robust catalogue, all without the need for a library card.
“Browse, Borrow, Board is a terrific program and we are thrilled to bring it to Foxboro Station, creating another asset for our commuters,” said Brian Earley, Vice President and General Manager of Patriot Place. “With the simple scan of a QR code, Foxboro Station commuters will have a robust collection of free digital content from the Boston Public Library available at their fingertips to enjoy throughout their train ride. We appreciate the partnership of MassDOT, our local Boyden Library and the Boston Public Library to establish this initiative at Foxboro Station.”
“We want to encourage more commuters to take public transportation, and I am pleased to see this innovative incentive expanding to Foxboro, for additional access to free library content for all the bookworms and news junkies out there,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “We look forward to continuing to support the Browse, Borrow, Board program and advancing its success.”
While commuters are waiting to board the train, they can scan the QR code available on nearby signage to access the digital library in their default internet browser. There is no app required and commuters do not need to have a library card. They can browse the library offerings, and then select up to five eBooks or audiobooks to read or listen to right in the browser, as well as access unlimited newspapers and magazines. The Browse, Borrow, Board program has previously been put into effect at bus stops throughout Boston; for commuters during the Sumner Tunnel closure in 2023; and for riders of Regional Transit Authority services across the Commonwealth. Foxborough’s local Boyden Library raised the concept of expanding this program to Foxboro Station.
“We are thrilled to introduce this new service to Foxborough and its commuters, offering yet another way to provide free access to library materials,” said Libby O’Neill, Director of the Boyden Library. “When I learned about this innovative Browse, Borrow, Board program, I knew it would be an ideal fit for Foxborough, having the commuter rail here. Thank you to Patriot Place, MassDOT and the Boston Public Library for this partnership in making this possible!”
Additional details on how commuters can access the digital content are below:
Scan the QR code and register for a temporary account with an email and password of your choosing. You must register through the QR code. An account will be created instantly that will let you borrow unlimited magazines and newspapers, and up to 5 eBooks or audiobooks at a time. Items that are checked out can be returned, which will allow for another checkout in the 14-day period. An email will be sent to you welcoming you to the service, providing a link to visit the site to continue reading, and the email/password of your choosing. All items will be borrowed for 14 days. With the link provided in the email, you can visit the site to continue to read or listen in the browser — no app needed. Each account will be valid for 14 days. After 14 days you can re-scan the QR code to re-register/access again. There is no limit on the number of times you can register after the 14-day period. Multilingual newspapers, magazines, and eBooks are available. Young adult and children’s content is available.
For additional information about the Browse, Borrow, Board program, visit here.
Foxboro Station features permanent weekday commuter rail service, offering a total of 11 inbound and 10 outbound daily trips during peak commuting times, as well as robust special event train service in conjunction with Gillette Stadium sporting events and concerts. For more information about permanent weekday commuter rail service at Foxboro Station, please visit mbta.com/foxboro. Additional information about special event train service at Foxboro Station can be found at mbta.com/destinations/gillette-stadium.