Frederick County Public Libraries (FCPL) facilitates the public’s freedom to explore, invent, and transform by connecting people to ideas and to each other, helping to foster individual and community growth.
A conversation with Kelley Keimig, Senior Circulation Clerk
Tell us about the history of FCPL and where FCPL is going in the future.
The first library in downtown Frederick opened on Record Street in 1936 replacing the Frederick County Free Library. In 1982, the second C. Burr Artz library location opened on East Patrick Street with a major renovation and addition to that existing structure in 2002. We now have nine branches in the system and two bookmobiles. And one brand-new book bike!
Through the years, our vision at FCPL has remained the same. We want to help create an informed, empowered, and vibrant community. Our strategic plan includes expanding access, building bridges, and sparking excitement throughout the community.
How can members of the community support FCPL?
We love creating opportunities for the community to find and use our resources in order to empower a vibrant and strong community. You can support your libraries by making a donation, volunteering your time, or sharing your voice. Your gift to support your public library today is an investment in the Frederick of tomorrow!
Your tax dollars provide for buildings, books, and staff. It keeps the lights on, the doors open, and our staff in the stacks, but it is only with the support from our donors, volunteers, and community partners, that we offer the best possible library services to the people of Frederick County. Learn more about supporting FCPL here.
What makes FCPL so unique?
There are so many unique things about FCPL and we want our organization to be known for our core values: we are kind, we listen and connect, we create! The library is one of the few places you can go where you’re not expected to pay for anything. In 2021, there were 131,373 in-branch and curbside visits across our nine branches!
In March of 2021, FCPL launched free public wifi outside of our nine branches and two bookmobiles. The Community Bookmobile is the traveling branch of FCPL. It visits towns, neighborhoods, and senior facilities that lack library service. It carries a large selection of items: adult and children’s books, DVDs, audiobooks, and magazines.
Do you have any exciting events planned for the coming months that you’d like the Chamber membership to know about?
FCPL is participating in One Maryland One Book, a program from Maryland Humanities that strives to unite Marylanders of diverse backgrounds through the shared experience of reading the same book. We’re partnering with Frederick Community College to host the author of this year’s book, What’s Mine and Yours by Naima Coster, at their Jack B. Kussmaul Theater on Monday, October 3 at 7 p.m. It’s free and open to the public!
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.