Library FAQ

You can apply for an Upper Hudson Library System card in person or online. If you are applying in person, please bring photo ID and proof of current address to the circulation desk. Current driver’s license/state ID, utility bill, or apartment lease are examples of accepted proof of address. If you are applying online, you must bring photo ID and proof of current address within two weeks of applying for your card.

For more information about who is eligible for a card, see our library card policy page.

Unless you’ve changed it, your PIN is the last four digits of the telephone number you entered on your card application. If you’ve lost your PIN, you can reset it on the My Account login page using the “forgot my PIN” link.

Cards can be renewed online, over the phone, or in person.

*a credit card or PayPal account is required

• Login to your library account
• Click “Fines/Fees” from the menu on the left
• Click “Pay Online.”  If your fees total less than $1, the pay online option is not available.
• Select the individual fine your want to pay (or click “select all”), then click “Continue”
• When prompted, choose the payment method and enter your information
• Click “Pay Now”
• Print your payment receipt from the website or from the confirmation email (if applicable) for your records.

If you just returned your item, please give staff 24 hours to check it in. If it remains on your account, contact us and let us know. We are happy to check our shelves in case the item was missed on check-in.

You can use it at any public library in Albany or Rensselaer Counties and in our online locations. If you have paid for a nonresident card, you may only be able to use it at the library where you purchased it.

There is no limit on the amount of materials which may be borrowed except for:

• Library of Things (3)
• video games (2)
• museum passes (1)
• mobile hotspots (1)
• laptops (1)
• Hot off the Press items (3)
• Stories-to-Go kits (1)
• STEM kits (1)
• Playaway Launch Pad (1)
• Playaway View (1)

You can use your picture ID with current address in lieu of a library card. You can also replace your card for $1 at the circulation desk. Keep in mind you are responsible for items checked out on your card, even if the card is not in your possession, so you may want to replace the card if it goes missing. If a card is reported lost it will be deactivated, but you remain responsible for items previously borrowed.

If you are picking up items for another person, you must either have their library card in your possession or have a permission slip on file allowing you to pick up items for that person.

There are a few reasons this could happen.

• Card expire every three years, regardless of usage, so library staff can make sure contact info is current. You can renew your card online, in person, or via phone.
• Accounts not in good standing are blocked from using some services. Cards are delinquent when your materials are overdue or charges of $5.00 or more have accumulated on your library card. When items are returned and/or fees have been paid to below $5.00, the card will work again.
• If you applied for your temporary card online and waited longer than 15 days to come in to validate residency, the card is no longer valid.

You can request that an item be reserved for you and pick it up at the library of your choice.

• When you find an item you wish to request, find and click “Request”. You may be prompted to select a specific copy of the item.
• You will be asked to enter your library card number and your PIN.
• You then must select a library where you would like to pickup your title.
• When your item arrives the library will notify you by phone or email – depending how you have set your account.
• You will have 7 business days to pick your item up.
• You can log into your My Account to monitor your requests, change the pickup location or cancel them.
• If the items you requested are in demand you will be placed in a queue. Requests are filled locally by the owning library first and then made available to other library’s patrons.

Yes!  Check out our catalog help page. You’ll find search tips, instructions for setting up notices, ways to save lists, and more!

If you would like to suggest that the library purchase an item for its circulating collections, please fill out this form.

We have lots of tools to help you answer that question. If you’d like to search for your next read on your own, we suggest using our Reader’s Portal. You’ll find ready-made book lists along with links to NoveList (use keywords to search for your next read), NextReads (receive reading suggestions in your inbox via regular newsletters), and our personalized recommendation service for kids and teens called “Book Bundles.”

As of January 1st, 2023, the East Greenbush Community Library no longer charges extended use fees, also known as overdue or late fines for the majority of items returned past the due date. Patrons are still responsible for all other fees, including lost and damaged materials and late charges for specialty items. Fine free has its own frequently asked questions page.

If you sign up for email or text alerts, you should receive a courtesy notice two days before an item is due. You will receive another notice after it is overdue.  To set your notice preferences, see these instructions.

If an item is lost or damaged, replacement costs will be assessed and billed.

We encourage patrons to renew any items they cannot locate and and take the time to search thoroughly before paying for the item.

Upon request, staff will check the shelves in the hope that the item can be found before payment is made.

You can pay in person using cash/check/credit card or pay online using a credit card or PayPal. Refunds will not be issued the item is found after it is paid for.

Yes, we do! Meeting rooms have their own FAQ page.

If you would like to exhibit your artwork in the library, you can find the exhibit policy and application on our exhibits page, above the information for the current exhibit.

The library maintains public desktop computers for patron use. Each patron is entitled to 2.5 hours of computer use per day. Guest passes are available for non-cardholders. A guest pass is good for 30 minutes of computer time in a single day.

Laptops are also available for checkout to East Greenbush/Schodack residents. Policy

Users of either must abide by the library’s Internet Use Policy.

More Info about library computers

Anyone with a wireless device is welcome to connect to our “EG Public WiFi” wireless network, provided they agree to our Internet Policy when logging in. There is no time limit for usage. Service is available in the library and its parking lot.

Please use discretion when using the library’s wireless network, as it is unsecured. Headphones must be used with wireless devices in the library, and they are available for purchase at the Circulation Desk.

Mobile Wi-Fi hotspots are also available for checkout to East Greenbush/Schodack residents.

Printing costs 15¢ per page for single-sided black & white, 30¢ per page for double-sided black & white and 50¢ per page for color. Wireless printing is also available in or to the library from any location, using any device. More info about wireless printing.

A notary is available during some of the hours the library is open. If a witness is needed, we can’t always guarantee an extra staff person will be available. Please call ahead to ensure availability.

Wireless printing is also available in or to the library from any location, using any device. More info about wireless printing.

Check out our library services page for information on all of our services, from meeting rooms to museum passes. Click on an image to find out more about the service.  In some cases, there is an additional link to more information.

The Friends of the Library take donations of books and media for their sales, though they reserve the right to pause accepting new donations if capacity does not allow for it. For more information on the types of donations accepted and other limits on donations, please visit our book sale page.

To donate funds, technology, or other items, please visit our donation page.

There is a small, ongoing book sale area in the library. Our large book sales have returned! To learn more about our book sales, including the date for the next one, please visit our book sale page.

We close for some federal holidays, but not others. See our holiday schedule for details.

Need to do some research, have a quick question, or want to look for something in the library? We’re here to help.

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