Special Collections

We host a number of English for Speakers of Other Languages conversation groups here at the Albany Public Library, and many Albany residents speak Chinese. To respond to this vital community, our library began a Chinese language collection in 2003. Currently located at our Pine Hills Branch, it is the biggest collection of its kind in the Capital Region, and we don’t want to brag, but it’s possibly the biggest in upstate New York. Its 2,700 items include both fiction and nonfiction and materials for children and adults. It even has a magazine section, so stop by and browse or check out a great Chinese book or DVD with your library card. Can’t get to the library? Our eLibrary has over 100 Chinese language titles as well!

We know Albany is home to many English language learners, and we strive to collect materials to facilitate understanding and conversation. The Washington Avenue Branch is also home to the Albany County office of Literacy New York of the Greater Capital Region, and we partner with BOCES to host many ESL classes at several of our branches. The ESL collection supports all of these endeavors, and includes bilingual dictionaries, books on grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, and CD sets to practice listening and conversation skills. It also includes resources for teachers of ESL students.

In support of our partnership with Literacy New York of the Greater Capital Region, our Adult Services librarians select materials for adults whose first language is English, and are learning to read or seeking to improve literacy skills. It includes books on reading, grammar, vocabulary, and basic math, as well as recreational reading materials at various reading levels and resources for literacy teachers.

One of the most frequent uses of our library is seeking information about finding employment or changing fields. The Job Information Collection includes books on job hunting and interview strategies, networking, resume and cover letter writing, and interviewing. It also includes in-depth looks at many career choices and requirements, whether you’re interested in IT, business, medicine, or much more. We also post the latest civil service exam announcements. This collection, along with our business database, our free Wi-Fi and access to public computers, and our knowledgeable Adult Services librarians make the Albany Public Library the one-stop destination for finding your next job!

We also provide free online access to Cypress Resume. This site helps you build a professional resume, along with a cover letter and reference sheet. You can access Cypress Resume from home or at a library branch.

We know that many of our patrons are interested in launching a small business, but just aren’t sure where to start. Geared toward potential and current entrepreneurs, the Small Business Collection will help you get a better idea if going into business for yourself is right for you. The collection includes guides to business plans, marketing, accounting and bookkeeping, and much more. The Small Business Collection is located near the Reference Desk on the first floor where our Adult Services librarians are always on hand to answer any questions.

At some point in the lives of many adults, they have to take one test or another to gain entrance to a higher education program or to qualify for a specific job. Our Adult Services librarians support adult test takers by collecting study materials for high school, undergraduate and graduate education exams, civil service, military, certification, and other employment-related or exams. This collection also includes general study guides for math, grammar, spelling, and vocabulary. The Test Prep Collection is located near the Reference Desk on the first floor where our Adult Services librarians are always on hand to answer any questions.

The Youth Services librarians at our Washington Avenue Branch collect timely books for parents and caregivers that offer ideas for developmental and educational activities to do with children and strategies to tackle sensitive subjects related to pregnancy and parenting. This collection also has many picture books to share with children that cover sensitive subjects such as the illness or death of a loved one or pet, divorce, body safety, family member’s arrest or incarceration, and much more. The Parenting Collection is located near the children’s play area on the second floor, where our Youth Services librarians are always on hand to answer any questions.