"The Brooklyn Public Library has ended its passport application services after receiving a federal order from the U.S. Department of State, bringing an abrupt end to a program that had quietly helped hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers prepare for trips abroad."
"According to the State Department, federal law, dating back to the 1920 Passport Act, does not allow non-governmental organizations to collect and retain passport application fees. Because Brooklyn Public Library operates as a nonprofit rather than a government agency, it was suddenly deemed ineligible to keep processing applications."
"Since launching the service in 2011, the library has processed nearly 300,000 passport applications. Applications were handled at the Central Library branch at Grand Army Plaza and the Kings Highway branch, where applicants could submit paperwork in person and even get their passport photos taken on-site."
The Brooklyn Public Library ceased offering passport services on February 27 following a federal order from the U.S. Department of State. The library had processed nearly 300,000 passport applications since 2011 at two locations. The shutdown resulted from a legal technicality: federal law dating to the 1920 Passport Act prohibits non-governmental organizations from collecting and retaining passport application fees. Despite operating this program successfully for years, the nonprofit library was deemed ineligible to continue. The service removal eliminates a convenient resource for Brooklyn residents, particularly those lacking home access to printers or computers required for applications. Library staff had provided valuable assistance navigating federal forms and offered on-site passport photography.
#passport-services #brooklyn-public-library #federal-regulation #nonprofit-organizations #public-services
Read at Time Out New York
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