Library Card

Access Your Record

Your Library Card grants you access to roughly 2.25 million items from over 60 Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS) member libraries.

Find the items you want to order online through our public access catalog, or call us anytime. Requested  materials typically arrive within a few days via the MHLS transit system. You will be notified by phone, email, or text when your items arrive.

In addition to physical materials, your card grants you access to digital collections and databases such as:

Account Help

The first time you log-in you will need to establish a “PIN” password associated with your library barcode. Enter the barcode from your library card, then type in a PIN of four characters or more and click “submit;” re-enter the PIN twice and “submit” again to confirm.

Need Help? Visit the MHLS Online Catalog Help page to get help renewing; cancelling holds; changing pick-up location; freezing holds; paying fines online; searching the Online Catalog and using facets; turning on your account’s reading history; resetting your PIN; etc.

In addition to these MHLS help resources, you can email staff. You can also make a reservation for a one-on-one help session with one of our staff members.

Want to speak with staff? Call us anytime at 845-758-3241.

Get a Library Card

Standard Cards:

  • Standard Adult Cards grant access to MHLS & RHPL resources to anyone age 18+ who lives in the Mid-Hudson Library System service area. There are two ways to get one:
    • Come in to any MHLS library with your current Driver’s License and fill out a registration card. Alternatives to a Driver’s License include a combination of photo ID and official correspondence such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and current address.
    • Email Alex at director@redhooklibrary.org and attach scan/s of the same types of ID listed above. We will issue you a card and mail it to your house. Once you receive it, you can take advantage of all our online resources without ever having to leave home.
  • Standard Youth Cards are available for individuals under 18 and grant access to the same materials as Standard Adult Cards, but must be signed for by a parent or guardian with valid ID at registration.
    • Guardians will be accountable for items taken out on associated youth cards.
    • Items checked out on Youth Cards at RHPL are fine free.

Online Cards:

  • You can get a temporary library card from home that will give you access to all our online materials.
  • This card will expire in 30 days according to system rules. To get your permanent library card, please follow the instructions above for Standard Cards.
  • Get your temporary card number by filling out the short form here.

Kids Cards:

  • Kid Cards are independent cards, available to anyone under 13 who knows their full name and address. Kids Cards are not linked to parent or guardian cards in any way.
  • Kid Cards are limited to a maximum of 3 items and grant access to all online resources (including adult materials) but only juvenile and teen physical items.
  • Kids Cards are fine-free for items checked out at RHPL.
  • To get a Kid Card, you must live in the Red Hook Central School District.

Teen Access Cards:

  • Young adults ages 13-17 may register independently for Library Cards.
  • Teen Access Cards allow young adults to check out up to 5 items at a time, order items from the MHLS catalog, and access electronic resources such as eBooks and databases.
  • Acceptable ID includes non-driver IDs, permits, and school ID. Other forms of ID may be acceptable. If you have questions please inquire at the circulation desk.
  • Teen Access Cards are fine-free for items checked out at RHPL.
  • To get a Teen Access Card, you must live in the Red Hook Central School District.

Institutional Cards:

  • Institutions may apply for Library Cards.
  • A designated individual from the institution must be associated with the account.
  • Acceptable ID includes Driver’s License and credentials from the Institution. Alternatives to a Driver’s License include a combination of photo ID and official correspondence such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and current address.
  • Email director@redhooklibrary.org if you are interested in obtaining a card for your institution.

Read our Library Card Policy and other library policies here.

Thank you for participating in your library community.

We hope to see you soon!