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Frederick County Public Libraries outlines student success card, tutoring and sensory‑friendly programs
Summary
Jamie Shoppeland, chair of the Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee, introduced a youth-services presentation from Frederick County Public Libraries at the committee’s April 28 meeting.
Jamie Shoppeland, chair of the Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee, introduced a youth-services presentation from Frederick County Public Libraries at the committee’s April 28 meeting.
A library youth‑services coordinator told the committee that FCPS students automatically receive an FCPL “student success card” tied to their student ID; the card allows students to check out up to 10 print books and access the library’s online resources. The presenter said the card provides limited circulation privileges but full online access.
The presenter highlighted online services that are available to cardholders: BookFlix (a highly visual early‑reading resource), TruFlix (nonfiction), National Geographic Kids, Mango Languages (a language‑learning app comparable to Rosetta Stone or Duolingo), and Brainfuse, a tutoring platform with live English‑ and Spanish‑language tutoring between 2 p.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern. Library staff also described Launchpad tablets — preloaded, theme‑based tablets with books and interactive activities that families can check out — and social‑story documents the branches prepare to help families familiarize students with a branch visit.
Accessibility and programming: The presenter said branches post program keywords (for example, “sensory”) so families can find sensory‑friendly events, and that all branches welcome all students at all programs even when targeted sensory‑friendly offerings are scheduled. Staff said families can request ASL interpreters via the calendar page on the library website and that branches are working to augment visual schedules and other accessibility features at story times.
Facilities and outreach: The presenter said FCPL has nine branches and two bookmobiles; a new brick‑and‑mortar branch in West Frederick (Hillcrest area) is planned and will include community input sessions. The presenter offered to share outreach with the committee and encouraged CCAC members to connect local schools and families to library resources.
Questions from committee members covered volunteering opportunities, literacy‑focused tools (BookFlix and Gale databases), dyslexia‑friendly e‑book fonts and Launchpads for early readers. The presenter invited committee feedback to improve program language and accessibility across branches.
