If you are a resident of Albany or Rensselaer County, you may apply for a library card, free of charge. If you already have a card from another public library in Albany or Rensselaer County, you may use it here. If you live outside these counties, you may borrow materials from Albany Public Library for a $25 non-refundable annual fee. Applications for library cards must be made in person at an Albany Public Library location or with library staff at an outreach event. For more information please see How to Register for an Albany Public Library Card.

May I use my Albany Public Library card at any of the branch libraries?

Yes. In fact, you may also use your card at any of the public libraries in Albany and Rensselaer County.

Can my husband use my library card?

No. Under no circumstances can anyone but you use your card.

How many items can I check out at a time?

If you are an adult and have a permanent card, you may borrow as many books, audio books, and magazines as you like, as well as 5 DVD movies and 5 music CDs at a time. If you have a temporary card (Albany and Rensselaer County residents without a permanent address), you may take up to 8 items at a time.

When are my items due?

When you check out materials, you will receive a receipt that shows what items were checked out and when they are due. You may also check your account online to see when your materials are due. Loan periods for Albany Public Library are as follows:

Items	Loan Period
Fiction and nonfiction books	4 weeks
New nonfiction books	2 weeks
New fiction books	1 week
Audio books	4 weeks
Magazines	1 week
Music CDs	1 week
DVDs	2 days
Nonfiction DVDs (with Dewey numbers on the spine)	1 week
Nonfiction VHS tapes	4 weeks
Children’s books	4 weeks
Children’s holiday books	2 weeks

Where do I return materials that I have checked out?

You may return your materials to any public library in Albany and Rensselaer County regardless of where they were checked out.

What do I do if I’m not ready to return my materials by their due date?

You may renew most materials once. Some materials, like magazines, interlibrary loan items, and items requested by other customers are not renewable. If you have reached your renewal limit, you must check in your materials and wait one business day before you can check out the same materials again.

How can I renew my items?

You can renew your items in person, over the phone, or online. You do not have to bring your items to the library, just make sure you have your card. If you renew your items over the phone, make sure to call when the library is open. You will be asked to read your library card number over the phone. Only you can renew your items.

Can I request materials to be sent to my branch?

Yes. Please refer to Place a request on a library item. Some items, like DVDs, are not requestable from Albany Public Library.

How will I know when the items I ordered are ready to be picked up?

You will receive an automated phone message when your items are ready. If you prefer to have an email or letter sent, please let us know and we can change your notification options.

Can I send my wife to pick up the books I requested?

No. Only the person whose card was used to request the items may pick up the items. Under no circumstances can anyone but you use your card.

How much are late fines?

Late fines for Albany Public Library are $0.20 per day per item. Other libraries in Albany and Renssalaer County charge different rates. Please check with the lending library if you are concerned about their rates.

Why is there a fine on my card for a cleaning fee?

You are responsible for taking care of the items you check out. If something is returned with significant damage, you are responsible for the cost of cleaning or repairing it. You are responsible for returning all parts (stickers, cases, boxes, liner notes, pouches, and barcodes, etc.) of all materials you borrow in good condition.

I owe a lot of money on my card. I don’t think I can pay it all at once. Is there any way I can pay a little at a time?

Please visit your branch and speak with a staff member.

I’m sure I returned an item that is still checked out on my card. What do I do?

Please stop by the lending library and explain your situation. Someone will check the shelf to see if it is there. If it is not, you will complete a Request for Library Material Search form. During the next 60 days, the library will continue to try and locate your item. After 60 days if the item is not found, you will be responsible for paying for the item.

What do I do if I lose a book?

You will have to pay the lending library for the lost item. You may pay with cash or check. You will receive a receipt for your payment. Please hold on to your receipt! If you find the lost item and return it within 60 days, you may receive your money back, less the $5.00 maximum overdue fine, ONLY IF YOU HAVE YOUR RECEIPT. If you are paying for a lost item from another library, please speak with a staff member.

I think my card has been stolen! What do I do now?

Please call Albany Public Library immediately because you are responsible for anything checked out on your card. We will issue you a new card for $1.00 when you bring a photo ID with you to the library. Once you have your new card, the old one will not work.

Last updated: July 17, 2006