Access Department | Adult Programs | Youth Services | Circulation |Annual Report

The William K. Sanford Town Library is strategically located in the center of the Capital District, an area rich in history, cultural resources, and a diverse population of 450,000. The Town of Colonie is the center of this area, surrounded by the cities of Schenectady, Albany, and Troy.

Directions to the Library: The library is located off exit 4 of the Adirondack Northway (I-87) at 629 Albany-Shaker Road. Coming from the SOUTH take Exit 4 and turn left at the ramp onto Wolf Road at the next light take a right onto Albany Shaker Road. The library is the second building on the left on the corner of Maxwell Road and Albany Shaker Road. Coming from the NORTH take exit 4, where the road splits bear right. At the light at the end of the ramp turn left onto Rt. 155. At the next light turn left onto Albany Shaker Road. Go through the next light and the library is on the left on the corner of Maxwell and Albany Shaker Road.

Library Hours:

Monday-Thursday 9 AM - 9 PM
Friday 9 AM - 6 PM
Saturday 9 AM - 5 PM
Sunday 12 PM - 5 PM
(Closed Sundays during the Summer)

A Short History of the Library
To view a short slide show of the library's history, please click here.

Books and Other Materials:
The library provides over 173,000 books, including close to 60,000 especially for children, over 7,000 adult reference titles, 3,500 large print books, 4,400 periodicals and 10,500 audiovisual materials (compact discs, talking books, DVDs, and videotapes.)

Information: The Access staff assists patrons with information requests at the library, on the phone, and via the Virtual Information Desk on the Internet. In addition to basic reference sources, the collection includes online databases which access magazine articles, residential and business phone numbers, legal and medical sources, small business and financial information as well as access to the online catalogs and holdings of other libraries in the Capital District. Through Interlibrary Loan (ILL) patrons may request to borrow materials from other libraries. The library offers free public Internet access on fourteen Internet stations in the Access Department and one in the Youth Services Department. Patrons may also reserve a word processing station to type up resumes, letters, reports, etc.

Adult Programs: A wide variety of programs are offered in many areas including personal and business finance, personal development, Internet workshops, book and lecture series, and musical performances.

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Youth: The Youth Services Department provides books, magazines, reference materials, videos, CD-ROMS for children birth through 8th grade. The Youth Services Department also houses an extensive Parent/teacher collection for adults. Children can reserve computers to do word processing, play educational games, access the Internet or research homework on one 5 public access computers. Programs offered include storytimes for preschoolers and older children, Toddler Time, Baby and Me, an annual summer reading club, craft programs and other special events.

Circulation:
How do I get a card? 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.

Types of Cards:
RESIDENT MEMBERSHIP: All residents of Albany and Rensselaer Counties are eligible for a library card free of charge. To apply for a card you will need a valid NYS driver's license with a current address. If address is not current, additional proof of address such as a utility bill, a check book address, a rent receipt, etc.

NON-RESIDENT MEMBERSHIP: Patrons residing elsewhere (other than Albany or Rensselaer County) may obtain a card. However, a fee will be charged. The fee is for one year and covers all members of the family. As of June 1, 1996 a fee of $25 for one year per family is charged. To apply for a non-resident card you will need a valid NYS driver's license with a current address and the fee payable either in cash or by check. If address is not current, additional proof of address such as a utility bill, a check book address, a rent receipt, etc.

MINOR LIBRARY CARDS: Children 5 years old through age 17 are issued library cards once they are able to sign their own first and last name. The child's parent/guardian must also have a valid WKSTL library card.

IN LOCO PARENTIS MEMBERSHIP: Adults acting IN LOCO PARENTIS (for example: nanny, au pair, child care professional) may apply for membership in the library on behalf of their employer. IN LOCO PARENTIS membership is valid for one year, but may be renewed. An application for IN LOCO PARENTIS membership must be filled out. Registration materials will then be mailed to the employer to verify the address and to make sure the employer will be responsible for all materials checked out on the card. Of course, if both the employer and the caregiver come to the library together, the library membership could be completed at the patron registration desk. To apply for this card you will need a valid NYS driver's license.

BUSINESS CARDS: Business memberships are available for owners of businesses located in the Town of Colonie. A business membership is valid for one year, but may be renewed. It may be used by authorized personnel and is intended for business related use. An application for a business membership must be filled out. Registration materials will be mailed from the library to verify the business address as well as the identity of the individual taking responsibility for the material checked out on the card. A library card will only be issued after the mailing verification is complete.

CAPITAL DISTRICT LIBRARY COUNCIL DIRECT ACCESS CARDS: Capital District Library Council (CDLC) direct access cards (DAB) will be issued to residents of the Town of Colonie who are at least 19 years of age and in good standing at our library. Other patrons should be directed to their home library. The CDLC card is valid for one year. You will need a William K. Sanford Town Library card and a valid NYS driver's license.

COLLEGE STUDENT MEMBERSHIPS: Students attending college in Albany or Rensselaer County may be issued a library card upon the presentation of the Capital District Library Council (CDLC) direct access program (DAP) card. This card may be obtained at their college library. Of course, students who PERMANENTLY reside in our service area may apply for a regular resident library membership. To apply for a card you will need a CDLC direct access card, Student identification, valid driver's license (even if it is other than NYS) and a home address.

STUDENT CARD (NOT COLLEGE): Students not residing in Albany or Rensselaer County who attend school in the Town of Colonie may be issued a student card. (Some examples: Schenectady County residents who attend South Colonie schools; students attending a private elementary/secondary school in the town) This card is good while the student is enrolled, and is for use only by the student, not by the family of the student. To apply for this card you will need; proof of attendance in a school such as delineated above, an application signed by parent/guardian who will be responsible for the minor getting the library card, a valid NYS driver's license of the parent with current address, and additional proof of address if the license is not current.

HOMEBOUND: Patrons who require the assistance of another individual to secure library materials for them may be issued a homebound library card. An application for a homebound membership must be filled out. Such a request could be made by telephone. Registration materials will then be mailed from the library to verify the applicants address. A library card cannot be issued until the mailing verification is complete.

Using your new card: The first time a patron uses a card there is a two book limit. After that patrons may borrow as many items as they choose. NOTE: No one else may use your card: A library card is non-transferable. Only the person listed on the card should use it. Materials checked out on a card are the responsibility of the card holder.

Suspension of privileges: Library privileges may be suspended for violation of library rules and regulations.

After hours return of materials: A book drop and a separate video return are located to the left of the main entrance. They may be used only when the library is closed.

Returning materials through other libraries: Materials may be returned at any public library in Albany and Rensselaer counties without penalty.

Most Materials May Be Reserved: If the book or video you want is not on the shelf, you may reserve it. Simply go to the reference or circulation desk and fill out a reserve slip. You'll be notified as soon as the book is available.

Interlibrary Loan: Books from other libraries are often available. If you need something which is not listed in our catalog, ask at the reference desk. (For children's books go to the children's circulation desk). Of course, retrieval time will vary based on the response of other libraries.

Loan Periods:

Fines For Overdue and Non-Returned Materials Are:

Most materials	10 cents per day
Videos	$1.00 per day
Non-Returned materials	Replacement cost plus a processing fee per item

MAXIMUM FINE IS $5.00 PER ITEM, EXCEPT FOR VIDEO FINES WHICH ARE $5.00 AND INTERLIBRARY LOAN ITEMS.

(An additional processing fee may be imposed on excessively overdue materials.)