General

When possible, Frederick County Public Libraries appreciates the opportunity to support local authors, defined as current Frederick County residents. However, we are not able to add all works submitted to the collection. Submissions must meet FCPL’s general selection criteria outlined in the Materials Selection Policy, and Guidelines for Materials Consideration.    Local authors who wish to submit their work for consideration should complete the Local Author Form and donate one copy either in person at their local branch, or via mail to: Library Collections, 110 E. Patrick Street, Frederick, MD 21701 Please include your name, address, and email when you submit your work so we can match it with your form submission. Authors are encouraged to provide links to any professional reviews of their work. Reader reviews on Amazon or other sites will not be considered as part of the review process. The library only accepts physical book formats, not digital, and materials must be bound in a way that enables circulation, ease of use, and durability. Due to the volume of inquiries, the library cannot respond directly to these submissions or relay final decisions. If added to the collection, works by local authors are subject to the same guidelines for weeding and retention as all other circulating materials. As a result, FCPL cannot guarantee that an item will remain in the catalog indefinitely. Additionally, as part of the general collection, these items may not stay in one location as they are checked out and returned across the library system. If the item is not selected, it will be placed in the library book sale.

While the library does not have tax forms, you may print tax forms using our wireless printing. Federal tax forms may be requested online or by calling 1(800)829-3676. Federal tax forms may also be obtained at the IRS Frederick Office located at 201 Thomas Johnson Drive. Call (301)228-2838 for an appointment. Maryland tax forms and information are available online or by appointment at Frederick County Taxpayer Services located in the Courthouse Multi-Service Center, Room 2603 at 100 West Patrick Street. Call (301)600-1982 to make an appointment. Free Tax Preparation assistance is available through United Way Frederick. Find out more.

If you’re unable to locate an item in our catalog, it may be available through Marina, Maryland’s statewide interlibrary loan service. You may also suggest a purchase using our online form.

If you need help with your account or would like to ask a reference question you can call your local branch or email us.

FCPL can process payments through cash, personal check, or credit card. The credit cards we accept include: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, debit cards, and cards issued by US Banks (we do not accept American Express). We accept credit cards for lost or damaged item charges. We can't accept credit cards for Friends of the Library memberships, bad check fees, or interlibrary loan invoices from other libraries. Payments can be made in person at any FCPL branch location or online. Make an online payment

FCPL offers email newsletters about programs and resources. The Library also publishes a printed newsletter called Bookmarks, available in your branch or online.

Requests can be made at any of the Information desks of the libraries. You can also make requests through our Suggest a purchase form. Please give the library as much information as possible about the items you are looking for the library to purchase. 

Volunteers at Frederick County Public Libraries must be 11 years or older and Volunteer Opportunities vary from branch to branch. Volunteers aged 11 must be in sixth grade. You may apply online or to find out what opportunities may be available, call the branch closest to you and ask to speak to the Branch Administrator.

Library job opportunities can be found here.

Yes! Frederick County Public Libraries sells items withdrawn from our collections and donations that aren’t added to our collections. Standard library book sale prices are set by the Library Board of Trustees. You can learn more on our book sale page.