Library Parking Lot Permit Q & A

A Q & A about the new parking regulations and permit process is below.

Am I eligible for a LIBRARY PARKING LOT PERMIT?

You are eligible for a Library Parking Lot Permit if you meet the following criteria:

• You live or own property within the Saratoga Springs City School District; or you are a member of the Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library at the Ex Libris membership level, or higher; AND
• You have a Saratoga Springs Public Library Card in good standing (card is not expired, and fines/fees under $50).

Why is eligibility for a LIBRARY PARKING LOT PERMIT limited to residents of the Saratoga Springs City School district and Friends Ex Libris members?

• While Saratoga Springs Public Library welcomes people from everywhere, we are chartered by the NY State Education Department to serve the residents of the Saratoga Springs City School District, and are funded by taxes levied on property owners within the district. It is our obligation to prioritize the needs of those we are legally chartered to serve, and who fund our operation, when there is unprecedented demand on a limited resource.
• As a courtesy, we have always extended all the privileges of residents to non-residents who support the library by joining the Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library at the Ex Libris level or higher.

How do I obtain a LIBRARY PARKING LOT PERMIT?

To obtain a Library Parking Lot Permit, you must:

• Come to the library during our open hours (generally Mon-Thu 9am-9pm; Fri 9am-6pm; Sat 9am-5pm; Sun Noon-5pm, with some exceptions for holidays and special closings),
• Bring your driver’s license and registration to prove your eligibility (if you don’t yet have a library card, this will likely also suffice as the ID requirement for obtaining one), and
• Register for the permit at the Circulation Desk.
• Names and addresses on all vehicle registrations must match the name and address associated with the library card account.

What are the LIBRARY PARKING LOT REGULATIONS?

• Between 9am and 6pm, all parking in the Library parking lot, including in the 15-minute and handicap accessible spaces, is restricted to Library Parking Lot Permit holders only.
• Between 9am and 9pm, parking is free for Library Parking Lot Permit Holders.
• While the City of Saratoga Springs Seasonal Paid Parking Program is in effect, non-permit holders will pay $2 per hour or fraction thereof between 6pm and 9am, and all parkers will pay $2 per hour, or fraction thereof, between 9pm and 9am, and on holidays when the library is closed.

Where do I park if I want to visit the Library and am not eligible for a LIBRARY PARKING LOT PERMIT?

• There is free on-street parking in the vicinity of the library, particularly on Henry Street and the blocks to the east, but also on Broadway and some streets between Broadway and Putnam Street. Please be mindful of posted regulations, such as those regarding time limits and/or alternate side parking rules.
• There are also two City-owned municipal parking lots across the street from each other, within a block of the Library: one at Spring Street with entrances from Henry and Putnam Streets; and one at Spring Street, with a lower level entrance on Putnam Street, and an upper level entrance on Phila Street. While the City’s Seasonal Paid Parking Program is in effect, the fee for City-owned lots is $2 per hour or fraction thereof.
• Library staff have never been allowed to park in the lot while on duty, so we know from experience that, while it may be challenging at certain times of the year to find nearby parking, it is possible.

I have more than one vehicle. Do I need a permit for each one?

• Yes. Because each permit is linked to a license plate associated with the permitted vehicle, each vehicle must be registered separately. You may register up to five vehicles. Names and addresses on all vehicle registrations must match the name and address associated with the library card account.

Does a LIBRARY PARKING LOT PERMIT guarantee me a parking space?

• No. Parking is not guaranteed. Parking is available on a first come, first served basis.

I have a City Resident Parking Permit or a Downtown Urban Core Worker Parking Permit, will this allow me to park in the Library Parking Lot?

• No. Although the Library and the City are partnering on the permit process, the City’s parking permits allow parking in City-owned and operated lots, only; and the Library Parking Lot Permit only allows for parking in the Library-owned parking lot. Neither permit allows for parking at the parking garage at the Saratoga City Center, which is operated by the City Center.

Can I register for both a LIBRARY PARKING LOT PERMIT and a City Resident or Downtown Urban Core Worker Parking Permit?

• It depends.
  • Because they are residents of the Saratoga Springs City School District, everyone who is eligible for a City Resident Permit is also eligible for a Library Parking Lot Permit.
  • Downtown Urban Core workers are eligible for a Library Parking Lot Permit if they meet the eligibility requirements previously outlined.
  • Residents of the Saratoga Springs City School District who live outside of the City of Saratoga Springs are currently ineligible for City Resident Permits.

How do I register for a City Resident Parking Permit or a Downtown Urban Core Worker Parking Permit?

• City Residents may register for City Resident permits online, at this link: City of Saratoga Springs | Patron Portal | Permits (tocite.net), or may visit the Public Works Department in City Hall during their regular open hours. A link to a Q&A about the City Resident Parking Permit is here: Facebook.
• Downtown Urban Core Workers must be registered by their employers, who should contact the City of Saratoga Springs Department of Public Works to verify eligibility, through this online form: Saratoga Springs Request Form (foreaction.cloud)

The City’s Permit Requirement and Paid Parking Program are seasonal. Is the LIBRARY PARKING LOT PERMIT requirement seasonal, too?

• No. The Library Parking Lot will be restricted to Library Parking Lot Permit holders year around. Payment for parking during our closing hours will be limited to the City’s Paid Parking Program season.

Who enforces Library Parking Lot Regulations?

• Enforcement of parking regulations is done by the Saratoga Springs Police Department. Penalties for violations are established by the City of Saratoga Springs.