Get a Library Card

The Smartest Card Get it. Use it. @ your Library

Who Can Register for a Library Card?

Residents of Columbia, Greene, Dutchess, Ulster, and Putnam Counties may register for a Mid-Hudson Library System library card at the Hudson Area Library.

Your card may be used at any library in the Mid-Hudson Library System.

How Do I Apply for a Digital Library Card

If you live in Hudson, Greenport, or Stockport, and do not already have a library card, click here to apply for a digital library card, which you can use to access all of our e-resources, including e-books, databases, online classes, streaming video, and more! If you don’t live in our service area, click here to find your library, and click Register Online.

After you submit your online application, a staff member will activate your card as a temporary library card. Temporary library cards must be verified within 30 days. To verify your account, you can submit your photo identification and address verification to library staff either in person or by emailing holds@hudsonarealibrary.org with the required documentation (see details of what is accepted in the following section).

In order to borrow physical materials from the library, you will need a physical library card, which will provide access to both our e-resources and our physical resources. Please bring, or send, proof of ID and address to the library and our staff will update your digital library card account and issue you a physical library card.

If you already have a library account with us, please use your physical library card to access our online resources. If you need help accessing your library card number or setting up a PIN, email holds@hudsonarealibrary.org or leave a voicemail message at 518-828-1792 x100 and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

How Do I Apply for a Library Card?

Fill out a Library Card Registration Form at the library. This form requests basic contact information, birth date, and signature. Submit the form to a library staff member along with the following:

  • Photo identification (driver’s license, benefits card, passport, or residency card)
  • Mailing and residential address verification (photo ID with your current address and/or recently received mail, bill, pay stub, or lease with your name and address)

Children and young adults under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can sign the form and provide photo identification and address verification.

What If I Lose My Card?

It is your responsibility to immediately report a lost or stolen library card. As a cardholder, you are responsible for all materials checked out on your card until reported lost or stolen.

The first replacement library card is free; thereafter, replacement library cards are $1.00. Photo identification is required for card replacement.