How To...

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I obtain a borrower's card?
• Can I use my card at other area libraries?
• What kind of materials can I borrow from the library?
• Is there a limit on the number of items I can borrow?
• How long can I keep the library materials I borrow?
• Can I place an online request (formerly called reserve or interlibrary loan) for materials from home?
• How do I receive my hold notification?
• Can I renew materials?
• Can I renew materials by phone?
• Do I have to pay a fine if my materials are late?
• What if I can't get to the library while it is open?
• Is the library handicap-accessible?
• What is the loan period for DVDs and videos?
• Why are the overdue fines for audiovisual materials higher than print materials?

How do I obtain a borrower's card?

You will need to complete a registration form and provide identification showing your name, signature and current address. Preferred form of identification is a valid New York State Driver's license. Please note: If your mailing address is a post office box you will be required to show proof of your actual physical address. Library cards are issued to youths ages 5 through 16 years of age; however, a parent's or legal guardian's signature is required.

If you have any questions or for additional information please contact Circulation at 456-2400 # ext. 8. back to top

Can I use my card at other area libraries?

Guilderland Library is a member of the Upper Hudson Library System, which is a consortium of 29 libraries in Albany & Rensselaer counties. If you are a Guilderland resident or a resident of any community in Albany or Rensselaer county you may use your library card at any member library. back to top

What kind of materials can I borrow from the library?

You can borrow books, large print books, books on tape, magazines, pamphlets, videos, DVDs, cassettes, CDs, CD-ROMs, and fishing poles (in season). back to top

Is there a limit on the number of items I can borrow?

The first time you use a new card you are limited to 4 items. As of November 1, 1999 the maximum number of items allowed charged to a patron's account at any given time is 50 or a maximum dollar value of $1,500, whichever comes first. There are some additional restrictions on the number of new and audiovisual materials that can be charged at any one time. For specifics please inquire at the circulation desk. back to top

How long can I keep the library materials I borrow?

The library has loan periods that vary from 7 to 28 days. All items are clearly marked with the date they are due. Please be sure to check these prior to leaving the library in case you have any questions. back to top

Can I place an online request (formerly called reserve or interlibrary loan) for materials from home?

Yes. You can place a request for certain materials from any computer with Internet access. For more information, contact the Reference Department at the Library. back to top

How do I receive my hold notification?

Beginning March 15th whenever you make a request for an item to be held for you Guilderland Library will no longer send a printed notice but will call your phone number and leave a message. This automatic telephone notificaiton for requested items will be made two days earlier than mailed notices.

The computer message will specify the number of items ready for pickup and the date you need to pick them up by.

Should you not wish to receive this recorded notification you can arrange for mail notification by contacting the circulation desk at 456-2400 x 8. back to top

Can I renew materials?

Certain materials can be renewed. Please call 456-2400, ext. 8 for information about renewable items. back to top

Can I renew materials by phone?

Yes. By calling Circulation at 456-2400, ext. 8. Please have available your library card and the item barcode number for the materials you wish to renew. You can renew items individually or all the items you have charged providing there are no holds and it is a renewable item. back to top

Do I have to pay a fine if my materials are late?

Yes, the library has the following fine rates:

Damaged items will be evaluated and patron charged accordingly.

Lost items - Patron must pay cost of replacement. back to top

What if I can't get to the library while it is open?

For your convenience we have bookdrops located at the entrance to the library. In addition, items may be returned to any public library in Albany & Rensselaer counties. back to top

Is the library handicap-accessible?

When the library was constructed in 1992 one of our top priorities was ensuring that the facility was handicap-accessible. In addition, for our patrons' convenience there is a wheelchair available at the circulation desk. back to top

What is the loan period for DVDs and videos?

The loan period for DVDs and videos is 7 days. back to top

Why are the overdue fines for audiovisual materials higher than print materials?

Since there is a high demand for audiovisual materials the additional fee is to encourage patrons to return items sooner in order to have them available for other patrons. back to top