Access Your Account

When you become a member of the Albany Public Library, you will be given access to an online account with the Upper Hudson Library System. This account is your personal record of items you have checked out and requested, and it is also where you can keep track of any library fines and fees you may have accrued. We also have features that allow you to keep a record or your reading history and save lists of library items you are interested in.

How To Access Your Account

Your account number is your library card number (the barcode on the back of your card). Your PIN is a four-digit number assigned to you at the time we issued your card. To log into your account:

Desktop Users: Go to our catalog and:

  • Click “Login” in the upper right corner of your desktop browser
  • Enter your library card barcode number and 4-digit PIN
  • You will see your name in the upper right corner of the screen and at the bottom of the screen under Search Tools. Click your name.

Mobile Users:

You can use the APL Mobile App to quickly and easily access your account and the library catalog, but there is also a mobile version of the UHLS catalog (your browser should bring you there automatically, but if not, click “mobile site” at the bottom of the screen).

  • Click “Login” toward the lower left of your screen
  • Enter your library card barcode number and 4-digit PIN 

How To Manage Your Account

Once you have logged into your account, there are a number of things you are able to manage: 

Desktop users can edit the email we have on file for you in Account Information, edit your PIN, and view any messages related to your account.

You will also be able to:

  • View/renew current checkouts
  • View and manage current holds (requested items)
  • View current fines and fees
  • View your Reading History (You can opt in to keep a record of your previously checked out items)

Manage MyLists:

You can create lists of items you’re interested in (for future checkout or any purpose). To add an item to a list:

  • Find the item in the catalog
  • Add the item to My Cart
  • View My Cart
  • Select the items to add to a list
  • Click Save to List 

Mobile users will be able to view:

  • Messages related to your account
  • Current checkouts
  • Current requests
  • Current fines and fees

If You Think Your Library Card is Lost or Stolen:

If you think your library card is lost or stolen, please contact your neighborhood branch.

For More Information

Please refer to Cardholder Responsibilities for more information about your account. If you have any questions about your account, don’t hesitate to Ask A Librarian!