Cards & Borrowing

Library Cards

  • Library card applications are available at the front desk. Bring photo identification with your current address, or two pieces of mail with your name and current address, to the front desk.  Any staff member can assist you.

  • How old do you need to be to get a library card? We do not have any age restrictions. However, anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian complete the registration and show the identification. 

  • What do I do if I lose my library card? Stop by the front desk and let us know, we will issue you a new one (free).

  • How do I update my name, address, phone, email, on my account? Stop by the front desk and let us know, we will help you out.

  • Register online for a new, temporary library card. An email address is required. You will have 60 days to complete your registration at a member library and pick up your card in person before your account will be expired.

Library cards are FREE.

A library card is NOT needed to enter the building.

A library card is needed for borrowing items, but not for attending programs or events.

Anyone can get a library card.

Borrowing & Renewals

  • When borrowing items from the library, please show your library card. Other ID (i.e. driver's license) may be used. Parents may show ID to borrow on a child's card, but not on a spouse's card.

  • Items may be renewed by phone, online, and in-person, if no one else is waiting for them.

  • Library cards may be used at other member libraries in the Mohawk Valley and Southern Adirondack Library Systems. Check with the library you wish to borrow from about their borrowing policies.

  • Library materials may be returned at other member libraries unless stated otherwise.

Johnstown Public Library eliminated overdue fines in 2019!

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Johnstown Public Library eliminated overdue fines in 2019! 〰️

1 Week DVDs, Fishing Equipment, & Snowshoes
2 Weeks Newly Released Books
2 Weeks DIY Bags & Board Games
4 Weeks Books, Storytime-To-Go Bags, Preschool Play Packs, & Audiobooks

  • Replacement fees and processing charges for lost or damaged items still apply.

  • If you check out materials while visiting another MVLS/SALS library, you could still be charged fines based on that library’s fine policy (some have fines, some do not).

  • “No fines” does not mean “no responsibility.”  Materials still have due dates and you are expected to return materials on time. Materials that are 21 days overdue are assumed lost and you will be bill for replacement and processing costs. The lost charges will be eliminated when the item is returned.

  • If you have $5 or more in charges or 5 or more overdue items on your library card, you will be prohibited from borrowing library materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Stop by or call (762-8317) the front desk and we can check your account. Often, the items can be renewed. However, if someone else is waiting or a lending library wants it back, we cannot renew the item. In these cases, your name can be added to the request list and then you could borrow it in the near future.

  • Stop by or call (762-8317) the front desk and we can check your account.

  • Notices are sent via email, text, or USPS mail based on the notification options selected in on your account. See front desk staff to update options on your account.

  • Reminder: 3 days before item is due
    Overdue:  14 days overdue
    Bill:          21 days overdue
    *If the item is returned, you will not be charged.

  • No, but you can use your Gloversville library card (or from other member libraries in the Mohawk Valley Library Systems and Southern Adirondack) at the Johnstown Public Library. So, you do not need multiple cards.

  • Yes, but you can use your Gloversville library card (or a card from other member libraries in the Mohawk Valley Library Systems and Southern Adirondack) at the Johnstown Public Library.

  • Just ask a staff member and if it’s our extensive shared system (Mohawk Valley Library Systems and Southern Adirondack), we can put a request in for you. Items can be delivered to Johnstown or whichever library is convenient for you. Then, returned at any of the member branches.

If you have other questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
We are happy to help.