Library Media Services

In Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS), every school has an engaging, 21st century library media center led by an FCPS media specialist. Our library  media centers complement classroom learning and promote literacy, independent inquiry and exploration, digital citizenship, and the responsible use of information and information technology.

Students and families can search their school’s library media catalog online.

Library Book Parent Preferences

FCPS is committed to systematically building school library collections that encourage a love of reading, are aligned to national and state guidelines, and adhere to local policies and regulations. This year FCPS will begin using a new feature that allows parents/guardians to select titles their children are not permitted to check out from the school library. This option will be managed through the platform that FCPS uses for its Library Management System, Library Solution for Schools (LS2). To opt-in to this feature and create an account, parents/guardians should complete this Opt-in form to initiate the process. Once submitted, additional instructions for account creation will be provided via email and the account will be activated within three business days.

Online Databases

Students can access online databases at home for school assignments and personal enrichment. Contact your school’s media specialist for login and password information.

Professional Library

FCPS staff and the public are encouraged to use the broad range of resources and online catalog in our Professional Library.

What Library Media Specialists Do

• Promote reading for pleasure and learning
• Provide resources that reflect the curriculum and individual interests.
• Help students locate, retrieve, evaluate, analyze and use information.
• Teach students to use reference materials, take notes, cite sources.
• Integrate technology into instruction.
• Advocate ethical behavior in use of technology.
• Collaborate with teachers about teaching and learning.

Textbook Review

Library Media Services also manage textbook review processes in FCPS. FCPS encourages the community to review proposed textbooks, according to FCPS Regulation 500-04, Textbook Review, Selection, and Approval. On the Textbook Review page, FCPS regularly posts information on how, where, and when to review textbooks.

For other instructional materials and library books, FCPS staff follow these Guidelines for the Selection and Approval of Instructional Materials when selecting instructional materials for use in schools.

2023 Library Book Reconsideration Committee

In 2023, Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) convened a Reconsideration Committee to review 35 books that three community members requested be removed from circulation in FCPS school libraries. See below for an announcement of the Committee’s findings, decision of the Superintendent, and full report:

• Reconsideration Committee Announcement
• Full Reconsideration Committee Report