Berlin Free Town Library

When the Berlin Chess Club held their organizational meeting in 1894, the members also decided to form a library for the town. Two of the members donated nine hundred books from their own collections. Miss Fanny Streeter volunteered to serve as librarian, a position she held until her death. W. Judson Cowee was elected first president of the board of trustees and remained president until his death around 1930.

The first home for the library was on the second floor of the original W.H. Lewis & Son store between the Cash Market and the Corner Store on Main Street. In the late 1930’s, the library moved to 7 Elm Street. When Mary Whitehouse died in the early 1940’s, she left her home on South Main Street to the library. The library moved into the Whitehouse home in 1946.

A major renovation and expansion project began in 2001. When it was completed in November of 2002, the library began offering more programs and services to better serve the community.

Click on the thumbnails below to see larger images of the beautifully renovated library:

ITEMS	LOAN PERIOD	OVERDUE FINE
Books	2 Weeks	10¢/day
Magazines	2 Weeks	10¢/day
Audio Books	2 Weeks	10¢/day
VHS/DVD**	4 Days	$2.00/day
CDs	1 Week	$1.00/day
Digital e-books	21 Days	N/A
Overdrive Audio Books	21 Days	N/A
Online Databases	N/A	N/A
__________________________________________ There is also a free magazine swap at the library located next to the periodicals display. All materials may be renewed for an additional loan period unless it has been requested by another patron. **Must be 18 or over to borrow movies.

The Berlin Free Town Library is a member of the Upper Hudson Library System (UHLS), a network of 37 libraries serving Albany and Rensselaer Counties. As a result, Berlin Free Town Library members (and members from all other libraries under this network) have access to a huge selection of materials via interlibrary loans. All you need is the bar code number on the reverse side of your library card (Borrower ID) and p.i.n. to log in to your account at the UHLS website and request items from the UHLS catalog.

Materials borrowed from outside of the BFTL through this system are delivered by courier promptly and directly to the BFTL.
You can choose to be notified of the arrival of your requested materials by phone or by email.

In addition to providing standard library services, the BFTL has three computers available for patron use.
In addition to internet access, Microsoft Office products are installed on each computer.

Copier (15¢/page) and fax services (see librarian) are also available.

The Library also makes its space available to small groups or organizations that wish to meet during non-business hours.
If you are interested in reserving space at the library, please see the library director, Sharon Vogel.
It is agreed that the following rules will be abided by:

Berlin Library functions take priority over other meetings.

The building will be left in the same condition in which it was found. All windows and doors closed, all lights out. The thermostat should not be touched.

Any damage to the property will be billed to the individual or organization responsible.

All associated garbage and refuse must be removed by the responsible party.

The only accessible rooms are on the first floor. All other rooms are restricted unless special arrangements are made.

If the applicant is a “for-profit” organization, a Certificate of Insurance must be supplied.

Donations to the Berlin Free Town Library are encouraged and greatly appreciated in order to offset operating costs.

LIBRARY CARDS:

Residents of Berlin or neighboring towns may obtain a borrower's card with proof of residence.
There will be no restrictions in issuing cards with respect to age, sex, ethnic background or religion.

RULES OF CONDUCT:

Users of the Berlin Free Town Library shall conduct themselves with reasonable quiet and decorum customary in a public library.
It is expected that the user will handle all library materials with care.
Food, beverages and smoking are not allowed in the library.

USE OF LIBRARY EQUIPMENT:

Equipment belonging to the Berlin Free Town Library shall be used only on library premises. The copier and fax machine shall be operated only by library staff. Other equipment may be used at the discretion of the library staff.

Click here for the BFTL's computer and internet usage policy.

CONFIDENTIALITY:

The BFTL is in compliance with New York State Law S 4509 in regards to library records.

CENSORSHIP:

The BFTL fully subscribes to the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights
This policy was adopted by the board of trustees on June 5th, 1989.

The Freedom to View was also adopted by the board of trustees on June 5th 1989 and was endorsed by the ALA council in 1990.

Additional policies, complaint procedures, by-laws and board meeting minutes are available upon request.


*STAFF:* Sharon Vogel - Director Nancy Vincent - Assistant Luella Osterhout - Assistant	*TRUSTEES - 2008* Martha VonSchilgen - President Scott Cairns - Vice President Cristi Lamontagne - Secretary David Theriault - Treasurer Pat Andrews Neil Bibbins Joan deLeon Rebekah Hartman Melanie Heffley Emeriti: Bruce Hewitt & Katherine Wells	*FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY* Elected officers for 2008 are as follows: President: Sylvia Thompson Secretary: Susan Womersley Treasurer: Tom Thornbury Interested in joining the Friends? Please fill out a coupon at the library's front desk. The Friends newsletter is also available at the desk. The Friends meet the 2nd Saturday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at the library. Dues are $10.00/year.

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