Library Parking

Parking in the heart of downtown Saratoga is often challenging. Many parking locations offer varying times, requirements, and even seasonal changes. The library’s own parking lot also has certain requirements set by the city. Know what to expect before visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions
What are the core parking rules?
  1. Between 9am and 6pm on any day the library is open, parking is restricted to Library Parking Lot Permit holders.
  2. Any vehicles properly displaying a valid DMV-issued handicap permit, registered with the library or not, may park in designated handicapped accessible spots.
  3. All permitted parking is limited to 3 hours between the hours of 9am and 6pm.
  4. After 6pm, no permit is required.*

* There are exceptions during holidays, and during the city’s seasonal paid parking program.

What are the rules during the City’s Seasonal Paid Parking Program?

The city’s seasonal paid parking program is typically held Memorial Day through Labor Day. Please be mindful of signage near these dates.

  • On days the library is open:
    • Permit holders park free during the day from 9am–9pm and overnight pay $2 per hour (or fraction thereof) from 9pm–9am.
    • Non-permit holders may park 6pm–9am and pay $2 per hour.
  • On library-closed holidays: All vehicles, including permit holders, pay $2 per hour.
Who is eligible for a free Library Parking Lot Permit?

You are eligible if you:

  • Hold a Saratoga Springs Public Library card in good standing (not expired and with fines/fees under $50) and
    1. Live or own property in the Saratoga Springs City School District, or
    2. Are a member of the Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library at the Ex-Libris level or higher
Why is eligibility limited to district residents and Ex-Libris Friends members?

The library is chartered for and funded by taxes paid by Saratoga Springs City School District residents. With limited parking, we must prioritize those we are legally required to serve. Ex-Libris members receive this benefit in recognition of their significant support.

How do I obtain a Library Parking Lot Permit?

Visit the library during open hours.

  • Bring your library card (or legal photo ID if not in possession of your library card) and vehicle registration.
  • Register at the Circulation Desk.

The name and address on every vehicle registration must match the library card account. You may register up to five vehicles.

I am not eligible for a permit. Where can I park?

If you are not a school district resident and do not wish to become an Ex-Libris member:

  • Free on-street parking is available on:
    • Henry Street
    • Nearby blocks east of the library
    • Broadway
    • Some streets between Broadway and Putnam Street
  • Nearby City Parking Lots:
    • Spring Street (open lot) at Henry and Putnam
    • Spring Street (covered lot) lower and upper levels

For on-street parking, please observe all posted time limits and alternate-side rules. The city lots charge $2 per hour during the seasonal program.

I have more than one vehicle. Do I need multiple permits?

Yes. Each vehicle must be registered separately because permits are linked to license plates. You may register up to five vehicles per library card.

The city offers resident, and downtown worker parking permits. Will my resident or downtown worker parking permits allow parking in the library lot?

No. City permits are valid only in city-owned lots. The library permit is valid only in the library-owned lot.

Can I hold both a Library permit and a City permit?

District residents who qualify for a City Resident permit are also eligible for the Library permit. Downtown workers qualify for the Library permit if they meet the standard eligibility rules. Residents outside city limits but inside the school district are currently ineligible for City Resident permits.

Who enforces the rules?

The Saratoga Springs Police Department enforces all parking regulations, including those in the Library Parking Lot. Penalties are set by the City of Saratoga Springs.

Where is the lot, and how many spaces does it have?

The library’s address is 49 Henry Street, but our parking lot is located on the reverse side: Putnam Street. If it had an address, it would be approximately 49 Putnam Street. This is also where deliveries can be made.

The library parking lot has a total of 84 spots:

  • Standard: 70
  • 15-minute: 7
  • Handicapped / Accessible: 5
  • Reserved-use: 2