Albany Public Library Hours - All 6 APL Branches
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Last Updated: December 2025 | Verified by Library Hours 24 Editorial Team
Welcome to your complete guide for Albany library hours. The Albany Public Library (APL) serves New York's capital city with 6 branches across the community. As the seat of New York State government, Albany also hosts excellent university and law school libraries. Whether you're researching state history, studying for the bar exam, or simply looking for a quiet place to read, Albany's libraries have you covered.
Albany Public Library - Main Branch
Main Library (Washington Avenue)
Address: 161 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12210
Phone: (518) 427-4300
The Main Library is Albany's flagship location, housed in a beautiful Carnegie building just blocks from the New York State Capitol. The collection includes extensive New York State history materials, genealogy resources, and the Pruyn Room for local history research.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Amenities: Free WiFi, Public Computers, Meeting Rooms, Genealogy Collection, Children's Area, Teen Space
Albany Public Library Branches
Pine Hills Branch
Address: 517 Western Avenue, Albany, NY 12203
Phone: (518) 482-7911
Located near SUNY Albany, Pine Hills serves a vibrant student and residential community with strong academic resources.
| Monday - Thursday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Delaware Branch
Address: 331 Delaware Avenue, Albany, NY 12209
Phone: (518) 463-0254
Serving Albany's Delaware Avenue corridor with family-focused programming and community resources.
| Monday - Thursday | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch
Address: 148 Henry Johnson Boulevard, Albany, NY 12210
Phone: (518) 694-0596
A community anchor in the Arbor Hill neighborhood, offering youth programs and workforce development resources.
| Monday - Thursday | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Bach Branch
Address: 455 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208
Phone: (518) 482-8021
Near Albany Medical Center and College of Saint Rose, Bach Branch serves the medical district community.
| Monday - Thursday | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Howe Branch
Address: 105 Schuyler Street, Albany, NY 12202
Phone: (518) 472-9485
Serving Albany's South End community with children's programming and neighborhood resources.
| Monday - Thursday | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
University & Academic Libraries in Albany
SUNY Albany - University Library
Address: 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222
Phone: (518) 442-3568
The main library at the University at Albany houses over 2 million volumes and serves as the primary research library for the SUNY system's capital region campus. The Science Library on the uptown campus offers specialized STEM resources.
| Day | Academic Year | Summer/Breaks |
|---|---|---|
| Monday - Thursday | 7:30 AM - 12:00 AM | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM | Closed |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM | Closed |
Note: Extended 24-hour access during finals week for UAlbany students with valid ID.
Albany Law School - Schaffer Law Library
Address: 80 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208
Phone: (518) 445-2340
One of the oldest law school libraries in the nation, Schaffer Library houses extensive legal collections including New York State legislative history materials and rare legal texts. Public access available for research purposes.
| Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM |
| Saturday - Sunday | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
College of Saint Rose - Neil Hellman Library
Address: 392 Western Avenue, Albany, NY 12203
Phone: (518) 454-5180
A private liberal arts college library with strong education and music collections. Community borrower cards available for local residents.
| Monday - Thursday | 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 10:00 PM |
New York State Library
New York State Library
Address: Cultural Education Center, 222 Madison Avenue, Albany, NY 12230
Phone: (518) 474-5355
Located in the Empire State Plaza, the New York State Library is one of the largest state libraries in the nation. It houses over 20 million items including rare books, manuscripts, and the official archives of New York State. The library is open to all researchers and visitors.
| Monday - Friday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Saturday - Sunday | Closed |
Special Collections: New York State history, genealogy records, government documents, rare books
🏛️ Albany Library Insider Tips
Discover hidden gems from New York's Capital City libraries. Our Albany library experts share insider knowledge for researchers, students, families, and anyone interested in state government and history.
📜 State Capitol Research Paradise
The Main Library's Pruyn Room has extensive materials on New York State history and government—perfect for tracking legislative history, researching state policies, and understanding Albany's role as capital. Just blocks from the Capitol building, it's the go-to for government researchers.
🎨 FREE Museum Passes to Borrow
APL cardholders can check out FREE passes to the New York State Museum, Albany Institute of History & Art, and other local attractions. Reserve passes online up to 2 weeks in advance—each pass saves families $30-50 per visit. Hidden perk most residents don't know about!
⚖️ One of America's Oldest Law Libraries
Albany Law School's Schaffer Library is one of the oldest law school libraries in the nation. It houses extensive New York State legislative history materials, rare legal texts, and is open to the public for research. Bar exam prep students: this is your spot.
📅 Legislative Session Timing Tip
During January-June legislative sessions, downtown libraries get busier with state workers and lobbyists. Plan visits for mornings (before 11 AM) for quieter study time. The Main Library's Carnegie building offers a beautiful escape from Capitol hustle.
🧬 FREE Ancestry.com Access
The Main Library's genealogy collection offers FREE Ancestry.com access plus New York State vital records, census data, and regional family history resources. Staff genealogists available for research assistance—book ahead for complex queries.
🎓 SUNY Albany Finals Alternative
Pine Hills Branch is closest to SUNY Albany's downtown campus—a great alternative when the university library is packed during finals week. The branch has solid WiFi, quiet study areas, and is less crowded than campus. SUNY goes 24/7 during finals for students with ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Albany Main Library hours?
Albany Main Library at 161 Washington Avenue is open Monday-Wednesday 10am-8pm, Thursday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, and Sunday 1pm-5pm.
Is SUNY Albany library open to the public?
SUNY Albany's University Library is open to the public for in-person visits during regular hours. However, borrowing privileges and some services require a valid UAlbany ID or community borrower card.
Which Albany library has Sunday hours?
Albany Main Library on Washington Avenue is open Sundays from 1pm to 5pm. Branch libraries are generally closed on Sundays.
Does Albany Public Library offer free WiFi?
Yes, all six Albany Public Library locations offer free WiFi access. No library card is required to use WiFi services.