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Learn Skills

Want to learn technology skills?

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The New York State Department of Labor is partnering with Coursera, the leading online training provider. Through Coursera, unemployed New Yorkers will have access to nearly 4,000 programs across high-growth industries and can hone skills in data science, business, and technology.

Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County (LVORC) provides tutoring to help individuals learn to read, to write, and speak English, and to improve their math skills. English Literacy Civics, Sewing & English, a telephone partner program, and Citizenship preparation classes are also available. All services are free and offered in several locations around Rensselaer County. Contact LVORC at (518) 274-8526.

SUNY ATTAIN (Advanced Technology Training and Information Networking) is a community center offering free courses and services: Computer classes; Certifications; Academic, Technical, Employability and Life Skills training; Open lab with Internet access; Help with resumes, letters, and job applications.  Located at Capital District Educational Opportunity Centers in Troy (431 River Street | (518) 273 1900 x2111) and Albany (30 North Russell Road | (518) 273-1900 x2300)

The Capital District Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) offers tuition-free academic and workforce development programs, including Building Trades, College Preparation, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, English as a Second Language, High School Equivalency (HSE) Preparation, Medical Office Administration (MOA), Nursing Assistant, Security Guard Training, and Welding. Phone: (518) 273-1900.

LINCS Learner Center connects adult learners to free online resources to reach their life goals. Choose a goal to learn how to read, get job skills, and more. Educators can visit the LINCS (Literacy Information and Communication System) main site for more resources.

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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