Books by Mail

Delivery service for homebound residents in Albany and Rensselaer counties. Patrons can register through this paper form or online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for Books by Mail service?
Residents of Albany and Rensselaer counties who cannot visit the library due to visual impairment, physical limitations, or other disabilities are eligible.

If you are an institution who would like to register to receive books, please contact the East Greenbush Outreach Librarian at moklea@eglibrary.org or call 518-477-7476 extension 128.

How does Books by Mail work?
Books by Mail is run by the Upper Hudson Library System (UHLS.) Patrons must register for the service to receive Books by Mail. Once registered, UHLS will contact you to get you started.

What materials can be borrowed through Books by Mail?
This program utilizes the USPS’s Free Matter for the Blind and only allows for large print books and audiobooks on CD.

How many items can I check out at a time and how long can I keep them?
You can receive 3 books or audiobooks on CD at a time and the checkout time will be six weeks. If there are no holds on an item, it can be renewed for up to two additional four-week periods. More books can be sent as soon as borrowed books are returned.

May I request certain books or authors?
Yes, once registered you can request books by phone, through this form, or via a note sent with returned books.

Is there a delivery fee?
No, Books by Mail is offered free of charge.

How do I return my books?
When you’re ready to return your books, simply turn the mailing label around and reinsert it in the pocket of the mail bag it came it. Your postal carrier will pick up the package to return.

How can I receive other types of materials?
The New York State Library loans items to eligible individuals through the Talking Book and Braille Library program. The TBBL collection includes print Braille books, fiction and nonfiction audio and braille books, with over 70 magazine subscriptions available as well. For more information, call the TBBL at 518-474-5935.

What if I do not have a library card?
You can apply online or visit your local library.

Return to Services
Subject East Greenbush Card UHLS Card UHLS MyCard
Library Card Registration Free to any individual who resides or pays taxes in the East Greenbush Community Library taxing district or Town of Schodack. Cards expire and must be renewed every three years.

Free to any individual who volunteers or works at the EGRN Library. Cards expire and must be renewed yearly.

Free to partner educational agencies with verified employment. Cards expire and must be renewed yearly.

Those that live outside the UHLS area may purchase a temporary card at the price established by our Table of Fines and Fees. Cards expire and must be renewed yearly.

All ages eligible. Youth under age 16 must have their application completed and signed by a parent or guardian, who provides acceptable identification for them.

Card blocked at $5 or more in replacement costs or fines/fees

Fines vary according to individual library rules and UHLS resource sharing rules. The EGRN Table of Fines and Fees are applicable for items which are checked out from the East Greenbush Community Library

 Free to residents residing in a community served by a UHLS library.

All ages eligible. Youth under age 16 must have their application completed and signed by a parent or guardian, who provides acceptable identification for them.

UHLS library cards expire and must be renewed every three years.

Card blocked at $5 or more in replacement costs or fines/fees

Fines vary according to individual library rules and UHLS resource sharing rules. The EGRN Table of Fines and Fees are applicable for items which are checked out from the East Greenbush Community Library

 The UHLS MyCard is a fine-free, limited-access library card for youth. It is intended to address multiple barriers to serving youth and families, including:

  • Barriers to access related to fines (e.g. computer access, checking out materials)
  • Parents not present for a child’s library card registration
  • Previous fines on a child’s card

Free for youth residing in a community served by a UHLS library.Applicants 18 and under who are applying for a limited use, UHLS Youth Only MyCard, need to provide name, address, and date of birth.UHLS library cards expire and must be renewed every three years.Youth ages birth to 18 can register unaccompanied, or with the help of a caregiver or relative who is not the child’s parent/guardian.This card may be used at all UHLS Libraries except for the Colonie Town Library.

Card blocked at $10 or more in replacement costs.

No fines for late items
Limits on # of Materials Borrowed Unlimited checkouts Unlimited checkouts Limited total items: Can only have 3 items checked out on their card at a time
Types of Items All eligible item types. All eligible item types except Museum Passes, ILL, and Hot off the Press. Active paid members of the Friends of the East Greenbush Community Library have access to all lending collections. Only items eligible to be borrowed are books (any age level), juvenile and young adult (teen) audiobooks, and juvenile and young adult (teen) DVDs.
Databases/Digital Content EGRN and UHLS subscription databases and digital content UHLS subscription databases and digital content Only items eligible to be borrowed are books (any age level), juvenile and young adult (teen) audiobooks, and juvenile and young adult (teen) DVDs.
Interlibrary Loan Nationwide UHLS Libraries UHLS Libraries
Program Registration Unlimited except by limited program capacity Preference given to resident cardholders Preference given to resident cardholders