Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet

View the APL fact sheet, which includes branch information and a map of our locations

Albany Public Library:

  • APL is committed to its mission to educate, entertain, and empower our community.
  • Operates seven branches—Arbor Hill/West Hill, Bach, Delaware, Howe, North Albany, Pine Hills, Washington Ave.—in diverse neighborhoods across the city of Albany, NY.
  • Serves the 98,000 residents of the city of Albany (just about two-thirds have library cards).
  • Is governed by an elected board of nine trustees and is funded by city taxpayers, with residents voting on the library budget every May.
  • Provides access to a collection of more than 430,000 print, electronic, and downloadable materials, including books, magazines, eBooks, audiobooks, music CDs, and DVDs.
  • Provides 24/7 access to many services and collections, as well as digital books and materials, through a free mobile app and interactive website.
  • Delivers dozens of programs each week for all ages, including book talks and author events, movie screenings and music performances, art classes and music lessons, story times and early literacy initiatives, art classes and music lessons, wellness workshops and fitness classes, and career and finance workshops.
  • Provides building-wide WiFi connections, in addition to WiFi in three city parks and 11 Albany Housing Authority locations, as well as public access computers and printers, and computer and digital device training assistance at all locations.
  • Hosts free literacy programs, tax preparation, and financial education services for Albany residents.
  • Houses the Pruyn Collection of Albany History, which includes many historical books, pamphlets, newspapers, photographs, city directories, and census records.
  • Provides unique items like bike repair stations, fishing poles, museum passes, musical instruments, and WiFi hotspots.
  • Offers meeting rooms, study rooms, and tutoring spaces for community groups.
  • Completed an award-winning $29.1 million project in 2010 to renovate three branch libraries and construct two new library buildings.
  • Has won numerous accolades, including five library design/building awards for the new/renovated branch libraries, as well as awards for adult and children’s programming and the full library system.

Each Month at Albany Public Library:

  • 41,000 people visit the library branches.
  • 31,000 books, DVDs, magazines, CDs, and audiobooks are loaned out.
  • 12,000 eBooks and other digital materials are downloaded.
  • 7,000 people use WiFi and library computers for research and entertainment at our branches.
  • 17,000 people access the library website for information.
  • 4,000 people attend library programs and activities.
  • 800 community groups and individuals use library meeting and study rooms.

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Updated April 2024