Category: Circulation

Collection Rules

1/21/2020

Loan Periods and Fines

Overdue fines are not charged for items checked out at CPL, regardless of what library owns the item, where the item is returned, or through which UHLS library the patron has a library card.
CPL patrons are responsible for overdue fines for any items they check out at other libraries within the Upper Hudson Library System (UHLS). Fines may be paid at any UHLS library (including CPL) or online through the patron’s library account.
When an item is significantly overdue, it will be considered lost and a replacement fee will appear on the patron’s account. Once the item is returned, the replacement fee will be removed, no overdue fines will be charged, and the patron may resume borrowing items.

28 Days

14 Days

7 Days

3 Days

Renewals

Most items may be renewed up to two times. An item may not be renewed if it has been requested by another patron or if it has exceeded its renewal limit.
To renew materials, present your card at the circulation desk and ask for renewal, call the library, or login to your library account online.
You must supply your library card number to library staff when calling with a telephone renewal.
Material from other libraries may be renewed at Castleton Public Library, but are subject to the owning library’s renewal policy.

Lost Items

Patrons must pay a replacement fee for any item that is lost or significantly damaged.
When an item is too long overdue, it will be considered lost and a replacement fee will appear on the patron’s account. Once the item is returned, the replacement fee will be removed, no overdue fines will be charged, and the patron may resume borrowing items.
The thresholds when borrowed items are considered “lost” are as follows:
- Books, audiobooks, music CDs, and DVDs (except new DVDs) – 30 days after due date
- New DVDs – 14 days after due date
- Specialty items (cake pans, fishing poles, etc.) – 14 days after due date
- Museum passes, WiFi hotspots – 6 days after due date
In cases where a WiFi hotspot enters "Lost" status, the patron who borrowed the hotspot may not borrow a hotspot again for a period of 1 year.
CPL accepts checks and cash for payments of fines and for lost CPL items. Patrons may also pay for fines and lost items with a credit card online through their library account.
CPL will only accept checks for lost items from other UHLS libraries. Checks must be made out to the library that owns the lost items.
All checks returned for insufficient funds will be charged a $25.00 administration fee.

Updated: January 21, 2020

1/4/2019

Eligibility and RegistrationResident of Albany or Rensselaer County

Positive identification (ex. license, other photo ID), proof of current street address (not a post office box #), and date of birth will be required to register for a new card.
The signature of a parent or legal guardian is required for children 15 and under.

Not a resident of Albany or Rensselaer County

Patrons residing in Columbia County may register for an out-of-system library card free of charge.

Patrons residing outside of Albany, Rensselaer, and Columbia counties will be charged $25.00 per year per person for an out-of-system library card.
An out-of-system card grants full library access at CPL, but does not guarantee full privileges at other Upper Hudson Library System (UHLS) libraries.

Card Rules

A library card is required to borrow materials. Library cards are non-transferable. The person issued the card is the only person allowed to use the card.
If a patron forgets his/her card, they may use photo identification, such as a driver’s license.
Most items checked out of a UHLS library may be returned to any UHLS library. Exceptions: Museum passes, interlibrary loan items from outside of the UHLS library system, and specialty items such as fishing poles and cake pans must be returned to our library.
There is no limit on the amount of materials which may be borrowed.
A signed permission slip is required to pick up holds for friends and family members. You must have the library card of the patron whose holds you are picking up.
Cards are delinquent when $10.00 or more in lost materials, damages or fines have accumulated on your card.
The person issued the card is responsible for reporting it lost or stolen.
Replacement cards may be issued for $1.00.
You are responsible for all materials charged to your library card.

Card Holder Responsibilities

Unpaid fines or overdue material result in a delinquent borrower status. Delinquent borrowers forfeit their borrowing privileges until items are returned. Cards are delinquent when $10.00 or more in lost materials, damages or fines have accumulated on your card.
An outdoor book drop is available 24 hours a day. Materials placed in the drop when the library is closed will be cleared the next business day.
Borrowers are responsible for the replacement cost of materials which become lost or damaged while out on loan.
Patrons can be notified by an automated email or phone message when their requests are in.
The library should be informed of any change in name, address, or telephone number as soon as possible.