Check in, check out and collect a foursquare badge from the New York Public Library

Today the New York Public Library becomes the first library in the world to offer a foursquare badge. The “NYPL Centennial Badge” celebrates the upcoming 100th anniversary of the library’s iconic Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on 42nd St.

Foursquare users who follow the NYPL on foursquare and check in to either three different NYPL venues or five times at the same library location will unlock the badge. Badge holders will receive a complimentary one-year Foursquare Friends Membership that entitles them to several exclusive members-only perks. Foursquare users who check in 10 times will be rewarded with a photo opportunity in front of the Trustees Room fireplace made famous on film in The Day After Tomorrow.

Library mayors could be selected to win other rewards, including:

• Tickets to a LIVE from the NYPL event (monthly drawing)
• A tour of the Map Division

“The NYPL has been a New York institution for 100 years, and it’s pretty amazing to see them starting their next 100 by embracing new ways to reach their fans,” said Dennis Crowley, co-founder of foursquare. “We hope the partnership will introduce even more people to all The Library has to offer.”

This badge is a great way to combine the library’s history with its deep ties to social media. Rewarding users through foursquare is a great way for the library to connect with their most frequent visitors and other New Yorkers who may not be as familiar with their offerings.

What do you think of the new partner badge from the NYPL?

/Photo CC licensed on Flickr by shibainu