Curbside Pickup

Pickup appointments are available at six branches:

  • Arbor Hill/West Hill
  • Bach
  • Delaware
  • Howe
  • Pine Hills
  • Washington Ave.

Curbside pickup rules: 

  • Appointments strongly recommended for curbside pickup.
  • At this time, you may place requests for books, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, and museum passes.
  • Patrons may request up to 10 items per library card, per day. MyCARD holders may request up to 3 items per day.
  • Please do not use the library pickup areas to return items. Items must be returned in the library book drops only.

Watch the curbside pickup instruction video

Browsing the Collection

  • Browsing of the collection is allowed inside at six branches: Arbor Hill/West Hill, Bach, Delaware, Howe, Pine Hills, and Washington Ave.
  • Reminder: Masks covering the mouth and nose are to be worn by everyone (age 2 and older) in the library. Anyone who won’t wear a mask will be asked to leave.

 

Using Curbside Pickup at APL

STEP 1: PLACE YOUR ORDER

There are three ways to request items for pickup: online catalog, phone, and email. Please note that due to staffing levels, we cannot guarantee same day pickup for your requests. Remember, we are only accepting requests for books, audiobooks, DVDs, and CDs.

Online Catalog:

  • Use the online catalog to search and place a hold on the items you want.
  • When placing your hold, remember to select the appropriate branch for the pickup location. This step is very important!

Phone:

  • Call the branch where you’d like to pick up your items and put your request in with a staff member.
  • The request phone lines are staffed Monday through Friday from 10 am until 5 pm.
  • Arbor Hill/West Hill: (518) 427-4300 ext. 2
  • Bach: (518) 427-4300 ext. 3
  • Delaware: (518) 42-4300 ext. 4
  • Howe: (518) 427-4300 ext. 5
  • Pine Hills: (518) 427-4300 ext. 7
  • Washington Ave.: (518) 427-4300 ext. 1

Email:

*Not sure what to read or watch next? Call or email the staff and talk to a librarian for recommendations!*

STEP 2: WAIT FOR NOTIFICATION & SCHEDULE PICK UP

  • You will be notified when your order is ready. 
  • Staff will schedule an appointment for you to pick up your items.
  • Appointments are available Monday through Friday between 12:00 pm and 5:30 pm.
  • You may request a walkup appointment or a curbside in-vehicle appointment.

STEP 3: PICK UP YOUR ITEMS

  • Visit the designated pickup library at your appointment time. 
  • Be sure to wear a face mask as they are required for all pickups.
  • Follow the directions for drive up or walk up below.

Drive Up:

  • Park in one of the designated spaces.
  • Call the number on the sign and briefly speak to a staff member.
  • Your order will be brought to your vehicle by a staff member who will be wearing gloves and a face mask.
  • Please confirm the last four digits of your library card number for staff.
  • Stay seated in your vehicle as staff place the bag of items in the trunk or back seat (whichever you specify). 
  • Enjoy your items at home.

Walk Up:

  • When you arrive at the library, please follow the instructions on the front door.
  • Please confirm the last four digits of your library card number for staff.
  • Your items will be brought out in a bag and placed by the front door.
  • Once staff is back inside the building, you may take your bag and enjoy your library items at home.

STEP 4: RETURN YOUR ITEMS

  • All library items must be returned via book drops.
  • Library staff will not accept returns at pickup appointments.

PLEASE REMEMBER