Internet

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.

Frederick County Public Libraries provides free access to the Internet and its resources for all library users. Library patrons are advised, as with all library materials, to exercise judgment and discrimination when evaluating the usefulness and reliability of material found on the Internet.

Access to obscene matter and child pornography is prohibited on all library computers. As with other library materials, restriction of minors' (children under 18) access to the Internet is the responsibility of parents/legal guardians. Parents/legal guardians are responsible for the information selected or accessed by their children. Staff will actively intervene when they observe inappropriate behavior or it is brought to their attention.

In compliance with Maryland State law, all public access Internet computers in FCPL branches are filtered with commercially purchased software to block objectionable material. Children’s Internet access computers are filtered at a more stringent level than Internet computers for adult use. Please be aware that no filtering software is 100% effective.

Users are responsible for compliance with all copyright notices and restrictions attached to web content, all state and federal laws, and the Library Rules of Conduct and Behavior.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees of Frederick County Public Libraries on 9/4/02 and amended on 6/6/12. Revised 9/6/17. Reaffirmed 9/6/23.