Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is the library located?
The library is located off exit 4 of the Adirondack Northway (I-87) at 629 Albany-Shaker Road. For complete directions click here.

2. When is the library open?
The Library hours are:
Monday-Thursday 9 AM - 9 PM
Friday 9 AM - 6 PM
Saturday 9 AM - 5 PM
Sunday 12 PM - 5 PM
(The library is closed on Sundays during the summer)

3. What will I find at the library?
The library provides 169,000 books, including 42,500 especially for children, 8,000 adult reference titles, 3,500 large print books, 4,400 periodicals and 4,800 audiovisual materials (compact discs, talking books, and videotapes.) The library also has Internet and Word Processing computers available free for public use in both the adult and Youth Services areas. Game computers and a homework station are available in the Youth Services Department.

4. How can I get a library card?
Residents of Albany or Rensselaer County are eligible for a free library card. People residing outside of Albany or Rensselaer Counties will be charged $25.oo per year per family. When applying, please bring identification bearing your signature and permanent address. Patrons will be asked to fill out an application with their name, address, home and business phone numbers, date of birth and social security numbers. Children's applications must be signed by the child and a parent (or guardian) with a valid library card. For complete information about library membership, click here.

5. Can I use my library card to borrow materials from other libraries?
Your card may be used to borrow materials from any library in the Upper Hudson Library System. You may borrow items in person, or you can request items via the online catalog and have them delivered to your home library. For information about this system, please click here.

6. How can I find out if you have an item I am looking for?
You may call the Information Desk at 458-9274, you may use the online catalog in the library, or you may access the library's catalog from home. Click here to begin searching the library's catalog.

7. Who buys the books for the library. Can I make requests or recommendations?
Buying books for the library is a group effort. Each librarian has a subject specialty area. If you would like to recommend an item for purchase, please call the library at 458-9274 or e-mail us at wkslibry@uhls.lib.ny.us

8. I'm looking for a book, and you do not own it. Can you help me find it?
Books from other libraries are often available. If you need an item which is not listed in our catalog, ask at the Information desk. (For children's books, go to the children's help desk). Retrieval time will vary based on the response of other libraries. In some cases we will purchase the needed item.

9. How long do materials circulate?

10. Who do I call about an overdue item?
Please call the library at 458-9274 and ask for the Circulation Department.

11. Do you charge for overdue materials?
Yes, fees are as follows:

12. Can I renew books without having to bring them to the library?
Yes, this can be done over the phone, as long as the item is not overdue, and no one has placed it on reserve. You may do this by calling the library at 458-9274.You can also renew materials via our online Web catalog.

13. Can I leave my children at the library?
Our policy states that if a minor is left outside the building after closing, a library staff member will make sure the minor has called for a ride. The staff member will wait with the minor for a maximum of 15 minutes, then, if the minor has not been picked up, staff is required to notify the police.
In keeping with our concern for the safety of minors, our library board of trustees has instituted a policy for those minors left unattended at the library during the day. For the protection of preschool children, a parent, guardian, or authorized caregiver (for example, nanny, au pair, child care professional) must stay with any preschool child anywhere on library property. An older sibling or peer is not considered an authorized caregiver.
We are also concerned about the safety of those minors who have started school, but who are still under age 18. Should we need to contact a parent or guardian or authorized caregiver for any reason, and if they are not on site or cannot be reached, we will notify the police. The same holds true with any preschool child left unattended on library property. As always, should you have any questions about this policy or any other policy, please do not hesitate to contact us.

14. Where can I find a tutor for my child?
We do not maintain a list of tutors. We suggest you contact your local school district offices.

15. Do you accept donations?
Yes, if the items are in good condition we will accept them. Items that cannot be added to the collection will be put on the book sale table. Please call the library at 458-9274 for further information.

16. What do I need to do to present a program at the library?
Click here for Stedman Room policy information. For information about availability and procedure, please contact Greg Rucinski in the Outreach/Programs office by calling the library at 458-9274.

17. What can you tell me about the art displays at your library?
Local artists present a different exhibit each month. A price list is available in the Stedman Room for each exhibit. Artists interested in scheduling a show should contact Greg Rucinski in the Outreach/Programs office by calling the library at 458-9274.

last updated 8/12/03