Policies - Colonie Library

Code of Conduct

Disturbing other patrons, staff or volunteers with loud noises or with persistent, unwelcome attention is prohibited. All conversation should be kept as low as possible in all areas of the library. No conversation is permitted in the Quiet Zone.” (see zone map >)
The library will honor state and federal law and policy with respect to photographing, recording, broadcasting, and streaming images of the premises, patrons, and employees while on library property.
The Library is particularly concerned with the safety of younger patrons. For their protection a parent, guardian or authorized caregiver must stay with any child under age 7. (Parents may remain outside a program room during preschool story time and school age events). Children from 8-11 must have a parent in the building. Minors under 16 are not considered authorized caregivers.
Only animals intended to serve people with disabilities or part of a Library program are allowed in the building.
Patrons may not solicit funds or sell merchandise on Library property unless there is an appreciable benefit to the Library. Prior permission from the Library Director is required.

Read the entire Code of Conduct >

Free to anyone who lives, works, goes to school, or pays tax in the Town of Colonie.
Applicants must present a valid picture ID (driver’s license, passport, DMV non-driver’s ID, etc.) and proof of current address (driver’s license, utility bill, lease, etc.). Patrons can apply in person or online >.
Youth as young as 3 years old may receive a library card.
Youth 15 and under need general parental information (name, email, phone) and signature.
The William K. Sanford Town Library is part of the Upper Hudson Library System (UHLS) >. This library system is made of 29 public libraries in Albany and Rensselaer Counties. Library cardholders are able to borrow materials from any of these libraries, as well as return most items to any of these locations. (Please be aware there are some exceptions).

Loan durations, number of materials allowed, and late fees for each item are detailed in this chart > of the Circulation Policy.
Renewable items be renewed by logging into Your Account > or by calling 518-458-9274. Items on reserve cannot be renewed.
Items can be renewed a maximum of 2 times.
Patrons who have lost or damaged materials must pay a replacement charge. If the materials are returned within 30 days, the replacement charge will be refunded, however, any original fines accrued will be charged. If items are not owned by Colonie Library, that other library must be contacted to discuss their policy. List of libraries and contact information >

May be requested if the material cannot be fulfilled within the Upper Hudson Library System.
Up to 5 item requests may be outstanding at any one time.

The Library’s purpose is “to select, organize, preserve and make freely and easily available to the people of the community printed and non-printed materials, within the limitations of space and budget, which will aim them in education, information, research, recreation and culture.”
Materials are selected “solely on the merit of the work as it relates to the Library’s purpose and as it serves the needs and interests of the community as a whole.”
Materials will not be identified to show approval or disapproval of content.

Room availability is found on our website calendar >. A request must be made for each date and time. A maximum of 12 reservations per calendar year may be made. Standing reservations and consecutive use for programs are not permitted.
An application for Program Room Use will be required for the Stedman Room and Activity Room. All reservations must be pre-approved by the program room coordinator.
The Board Room may be reserved for small meetings (2-8 people) or virtual meetings requiring privacy (i.e., job interviews)
Tutors are not allowed to reserve Program Rooms. See the Tutor Policy > for more details.
Audiovisual equipment is available for use during programs booked in advance, and must be requested at the time of room booking. Specific equipment is available to each room.
More information about reservations can be found on the Meeting and Presentation Rooms > page.

Tutoring is allowed in the designated area on the mezzanine, as shown on the map >.
Space is available on a first-come first-served basis.
Money should not be changing hands at the Library.
Students must be under the tutor’s supervision at all times during the scheduled tutorial.
Conversations and instruction between tutor and student should not disrupt, distract or otherwise interfere with other patrons’ use of the Library.
Tutoring sessions must end 15 minutes prior to closing.

Public computers may be used up to 2 hours a day, subject to computer availability an demand.
Guest passes are available to patrons who do not have a UHLS Library card.
No food or drink is allowed at the computers.
In order to use the [Children’s] computers in the Youth Services department, children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
Parents or guardians are responsible for monitoring the Internet use of their minor children.
Patrons ages 12 through 19 may use the public computers in the Teen Room of the Library.