Library Card

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.