Get a Card

Adult Resident Card

Adult residents (18 years of age or older) of the city of Albany, or any municipality in Albany or Rensselaer counties, can apply for an Upper Hudson Library System (UHLS) adult resident library card online or in person at any of our seven neighborhood branches, or at any UHLS member library. If you apply online, you must bring one of the following as proof that you live/pay property taxes in Albany or Rensselaer County when you come in to pick up your card:

  • Current driver’s license
  • Current photo learner’s permit
  • Current non-driver’s identification

To see other forms of acceptable ID, click here.

With an Adult Resident Card, you can:

  • Check out up to 100 items at a time
  • Access our public computers
  • Download books and magazines
  • Borrow a museum pass (some restrictions apply for non-City of Albany residents)
  • Access our research databases

MyCard

Kids and teens (under age 18) in the city of Albany can apply for a MyCard on their own! No parent or guardian signature is required. There are no late fees, but there would be replacement fees for any lost items. With a MyCard, kids and teens can:

  • Borrow up to 3 items at a time at any Albany Public Library location
  • Access public computers for children/teens
  • Download books and magazines
  • Access research databases

MyCard is valid only at Albany Public Library locations. 

Youth Resident Card

Under 16:

Any youth under the age of sixteen must have a parent/legal guardian present to get a Youth Card, which allows greater borrowing privileges than a MyCard. The parent/legal guardian must provide his or her own photo ID and address verification (just like applying for the Adult Resident Card). If the parent/legal guardian already has a library card, then that card must be in good standing.

Youths 16-17 years of age:

Any youth ages 16-17 may get a library card without a parent present if they provide their own photo identification and valid street address verification. Business mail is still required, but may be in the parent’s name.

Student Card

Students living on campus at any college in Albany or Rensselaer counties may apply for a Student Card using their student ID. Student Cards are valid for three years or until the student’s enrollment end date, whichever comes first. Student Cards are entitled to the same borrowing privileges as an Adult Resident Card.

Temporary Card

Temporary residents of the City of Albany may apply for a temporary library card by providing a signed letter on agency letterhead from their sponsoring agency verifying that they are currently residing at that address. Temporary cards expire every 30 days and need to be renewed with current proof of address. With a Temporary Card, you can check out up to 3 items at a time and access our public computers, our downloadable books and magazines, and our research databases.

Non-Resident Card

Persons living outside Albany or Rensselaer counties may register for a non-resident library card for a fee of $50.00 per year. Non-resident cards must be registered for in person at one of our neighborhood branches. This non-refundable fee must be paid in full at registration. Non-resident cardholders may borrow up to 100 items at a time and access our public computers, our downloadable books and magazines, and our research databases. Non-Resident cards may be subject to restrictions at other Upper Hudson Library System libraries.

Library Card Ownership & Replacement

Replacement library cards are $1.00, payable upon issue of the replacement card. Photo identification is required for card replacement. Library cards may only be used by the individual who registered for the card and library membership may not be transferred to any other users.