Library Policies
Frederick County Public Libraries reserves the right to host fundraising events for which the library is the sole beneficiary on its premises during hours when facilities are not open to the general public. During these events, food and beverage, including alcoholic beverages, may be served and consumed on the premises at the discretion of the Library Director and Library Board President.
Approved by the FCPL Board of Trustees 4/3/13
With the exception of confidential matters, citizens may speak about matters relating to the library system. If individuals have specific concerns relating to actions of staff members, such concerns may be communicated to the Director.
A maximum of 30 minutes will be reserved for public comments, 15 minutes at the beginning of the meeting and an additional 15 minutes at the end of the meeting. If more people wish to speak than time allows, public comments shall continue at the discretion of the board.
The trustees of Frederick County Public Libraries shall select a student representative for each school year. The student will attend all monthly scheduled public board meetings. The student representative shall have no official vote, but may speak on topics as they are discussed. The minutes shall reflect the student's opinion. Students in grades 10, 11 or 12 are eligible to apply.
Approved by the FCPL Board of Trustees 9/1/04
| Hardbacks | $1.00 |
| Paperbacks | $.50 |
| Magazines | $.25 |
| DVDs | $2.00 |
| VHS and Cassettes | $.50 |
| Books on CD | $2.00 |
| Books on Tape | $.75 |
| CDs | $2.00 |
Frederick County Public Libraries will allow a 10% discount for all purchases over 50 items.
Approved by the Frederick County Public Libraries Board of Trustees October 10, 2012
Patrons can check out up to 75 items at a time, including DVDs, per card.
Most library materials may be reserved. Limit of 25 simultaneous holds per patron.
Materials can be sent between FCPL branches by regular delivery service.
Loan Periods
Display materials are placed in an area designated by each library branch. All materials for public posting will be displayed as space allows, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Permission to display materials does not constitute endorsement by Frederick County Public Libraries.
Frederick County Public Libraries' mission states: 'We believe that a free and accessible Public Library is fundamental to a democratic society.' In our information rich, global community, the Internet provides an unprecedented, powerful tool to deliver information to vast numbers of people.
The Internet is an ungoverned and unregulated source of information. The library cannot control what others provide on the Internet. The library provides a choice to individual members of our community to access the Internet according to their personal values and beliefs.
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.
Cards are free to...
anyone who lives or works in Maryland
anyone with a valid card from any of the following libraries:
cities of: Alexandria, Falls Church, and Washington D.C
Virginia counties of: Arlington; Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William
The Maryland Room, located in the C. Burr Artz Public Library, FCPL is a special collection of unique and rare materials that deal with the human experience in Frederick City, County and our region. The collection is developed for the use of Frederick County residents, scholars, and others interested in our local history.
The purpose of the Maryland Room is to collect, organize, and provide access to materials in a variety of formats, and to ensure that these materials are available for use today, and preserved for future generations.
Provided by the C. Burr Artz Public Library Maryland Room
Library patrons using Maryland Room materials from a distance may request photocopies from books and microfilm copying. Photocopies are $.20 (cents) per page. Microfilm copies are $.25 (cents) per page. For requests that require more than a first class stamp, an additional postage charge will be applied. A bill will be enclosed with the materials.
For requests of 30 or more pages, payment will be made in advance of order fulfillment.
The Maryland Room is happy to help all people utilize our materials and to offer research advice on genealogy and local history topics. We give priority to Maryland residents and on-site visitors, therefore, we have a limited amount of time we can spend on assisting with out of state queries.
It is the function of the Frederick County Public Libraries to provide materials for all citizens, and all ages, from preschool through maturity. As many subject fields as possible are provided; limitations are those of budget.
Meeting rooms in the Frederick County Public Libraries provide an opportunity for bringing together the resources of the County and the activities of the community. The Library welcomes the use of its meeting rooms for public gatherings of civic, cultural, educational, or charitable service to the community. The rooms may not be used for purely social purposes or for regular business operations. If a rental fee has been paid, the entity reserving the meeting room determines whether the gathering will be open to the public.
Frederick County Public Libraries takes the security and confidentiality of your personal data very seriously. We do not retain records of your account activity and personal data beyond what is necessary to conduct account operations properly. Credit card payments are processed in compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard to ensure secure transactions.
Pending approval from the FCPL Board of Trustees
Credit Card Privacy Practices
Read the following for information on how we collect, store, and protect your information.
Your Public Library is a valuable asset. It is used by many people for their education, information, and recreation needs. Library users will conduct themselves in a manner that does not interfere, by their actions or speech, with the rights of other library users. Any action that endangers the health, safety or welfare of library staff and members of the public is strictly prohibited. You help make the library attractive, inviting and efficient by following these rules:
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