Home
Amended by the Board of Trustees 9/30/2025
Library Card Policy (PDF)
General Policy Statements
Library cards are necessary to borrow materials from the library or access online resources.
A library card is your passport to a vast network of public library resources and services.
East Greenbush Community Library uses the automated system operated by the Upper Hudson Library System (UHLS) and shared by UHLS member libraries https://www.uhls.org/. Reciprocal agreements among UHLS libraries allow residents to borrow and return most items to the most convenient library. Each library is independent and borrowing rules may be different. Some services in UHLS are library-specific and not available to patrons of all member libraries.
A library card must be presented when checking out materials. Once a card has been issued, a library card holder may present their current photo ID with their current address in lieu of a library card.
Individuals may have only one card number. The library will merge or delete the records of any user found to have multiple active cards. Cardholders are responsible for all materials borrowed on their card, all use of the card, and all charges accrued. Parents/guardians of children under 16 who have library cards are responsible for materials borrowed on those cards.
When applying for a library card an applicant must show proof of identification and proof of address.
- Proof of ID: Photo ID, credit/debit card, health/vehicle insurance card, school ID, work ID, or notarized document.
- Proof of address: (all must be current/non-expired): Photo ID, mail with postmark last 30 days, lease, bills with name/address, insurance policy, pay stub, motor vehicle registration, personal checks with address, report card, or notarized document.
If proof of address is not available a temporary card may be issued until proof of address is provided, or the library may mail a card to the address provided. Temporary status will be changed to permanent once they return to library with the card. Temporary cards are limited to three checkouts (no specialty items) and expire after 30 days; which may be extended if needed.
Applicants may also sign up online at https://sierra.uhls.org/selfreg. Cards must be picked up at the library within 15 days to remain valid.
For full card privileges, proof of address is required. Library Cards are valid for a period of three years and are eligible for renewal for an additional three years.
Library cards can be renewed or updated by phone when the patron supplies the library card number and all requested information. Cards are available immediately at the library.
Cardholders are required to report a change in name, address, or contact information promptly. If a card is reported lost, it will be deactivated but the patron remains responsible for items previously borrowed.
All materials borrowed must be returned on, or before, the close of business on the due date. The East Greenbush Community Library drive-thru book-drop is open 24 hours for your convenience. UHLS offers universal returns. Most circulating material can be returned to any UHLS library. Specialty Items, including Inter-Library Loans, must be returned to the East Greenbush Community Library. Items not returned are billed according to their cost to the library. Replacement items are not accepted unless previously agreed upon by the director or designee. Payments of any fees may take place at any UHLS member library, or online.
| 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 East Greenbush Community Library, attends or works at the East Greenbush Central School District or other school within the Town of East Greenbush. 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 Fee schedule. 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. | 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. | 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. |
| Fees | Card blocked at $10 or more in replacement costs or fees Fees vary according to individual library rules and UHLS resource sharing rules. The East Greenbush Community Library Fee Schedule is applicable for items which are checked out from the East Greenbush Community Library | Card blocked at $10 or more in replacement costs or fees Fees vary according to individual library rules and UHLS resource sharing rules. The East Greenbush Community Library Fee Schedule is applicable for items which are checked out from the East Greenbush Community Library | Card blocked at $10 or more in replacement costs or fees Fees vary according to individual library rules and UHLS resource sharing rules. The East Greenbush Community Library Fee Schedule is applicable for items which are checked out from the East Greenbush Community Library |
| 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 for Borrowing | All borrowable materials. | All borrowable materials 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 | East Greenbush Community Library and UHLS subscription databases and digital content | UHLS subscription databases and digital content | UHLS subscription databases and digital content |
| Interlibrary Loan | Nationwide | UHLS Libraries | UHLS Libraries |
| Program Registration | Unlimited except by program capacity | Preference may be given to resident cardholders | Preference may be given to resident cardholders |
Adopted, Library Board of Trustees, June 14, 2010
Amended, Library Board of Trustees, September 17, 2019
Amended, Library Board of Trustees, September 30, 2025