FREDERICK COUNTY — Starting October 1, Frederick County Public Libraries will no longer charge overdue fines on any children’s material.
Also going into effect, there will be no limits on how many items can be checked out or put on hold, and users will be able to renew up to 10 times. These updates will be made in an effort to increase the breadth of books children have access to.
Frederick County Public Libraries noted that 63 percent of children from low income households in the county did not enter kindergarten “ready to learn” as measured by the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment [readyatfive.org]. WMAR-2 News was told that FCPL believes this move will help all families bring more books into their homes and foster improved early literacy skills.
“With no fines on children’s items, no limits on checkouts or holds, and more renewals, all members of our community will be able to more easily access library resources to help them grow and learn,” said FCPL Director, James Kelly. “We’re excited to make a positive impact in the community and contribute in a significant way to early literacy.”
Frederick County Public Libraries is committed to providing children with the best possible library services needed to succeed in and out of school.
For more information on the updated policies, please visit fcpl.org/rediscover.
