Brooklyn’s limited-edition Jay-Z library cards spark surge in membership

Cards depicting albums by Brooklyn-born rapper are part of initiative to celebrate 50th anniversary of hip-hop

Forget new lines of sneakers or T-shirts: the most sought-after merchandise this month can be found in public libraries in Brooklyn.

In collaboration with Roc Nation, an entertainment company founded by Jay-Z, the Brooklyn Public Library is celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop by issuing limited-edition library cards featuring the rapper, who was born in the New York borough.