Civic Engagement

Join us in the magic of making an enchanted forest, as our community window art theme "Into the Woods" continues throughout 2026 at the Point of Rocks library. First, we made trees. Now we’re adding miniature woodland creatures and habitats for them.  Ideal for ages 8 and up. Younger ages will require adult supervision. No special skills necessary. Super fun for friends and families, groups or singles. Newcomers welcome! Participants can come and go anytime during the 2-hour program.

In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, Maryland authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie will talk about their new book, A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams. Copies of the books will be available to purchase through Curious Iguana.   

A map can tell you much more than how to get from point A to point B, they can show you firsthand how mapmakers over hundreds of years charted a changing landscape and a changing society. Get hands-on with maps from the Enoch Pratt Free Library’s historic collection, presented by Benjamin Egerman, and see how they can show us about everything from colonization and the Revolutionary War to industrialization and westward expansion, the Black experience, the World Wars and beyond!   This program supports By the People: Civic Engagement for All, an FCPL initiative to foster civic knowledge and participation in the Frederick County community.

Dr. Richard Bell will discuss his most recent book exploring the full breadth and depth of America’s founding event. The American Revolution was not only the colonies’ triumphant liberation from the rule of an overbearing England; it was also a cataclysm that pulled in participants from around the globe and threw the entire world order into chaos. Bell widens the lens of the “War of Independence” manifesting itself as a sprawling struggle that upended the lives of millions of people on every continent and fundamentally transformed the way the world works, disrupting trade, restructuring penal systems, stirring famine, and creating the first global refugee crisis.  Dr. Richard Bell is a professor of history at the University of Maryland, a Research Fellow at the Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Abolition and Resistance at Yale University and a Resident Fellow of the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress. He will have copies of his most recent book, The American Revolution and the Fate of the World, for purchase. This program supports By the People: Civic Engagement for All, an FCPL initiative to foster civic knowledge and participation in the Frederick County community.  

Every time is a good time to read! Meet local Frederick County book clubs and their hosts in a vendor style event while meeting other bookish friends. Get book recommendations, make a book themed craft or two and see if one (or all) of the book clubs is the right fit for you!    This program supports By the People: Civic Engagement for All, an FCPL initiative to foster civic knowledge and participation in the Frederick County community.

Learn more about local wildlife and discover how your observations can contribute to real scientific projects. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or brand new to the science community, the Brunswick Green Team will show you how simple it is to get involved. This program supports By the People: Civic Engagement for All, an FCPL initiative to foster civic knowledge and participation in the Frederick County community.

Meet a mailman and discover how mail travels from sender to mailbox, explore what it takes to be a postal worker, and practice teamwork through fun, interactive activities. From sorting “mail” to making their own letters, participants will see how these everyday heroes help keep our community connected—one delivery at a time! This program supports By the People: Civic Engagement for All, an FCPL initiative to foster civic knowledge and participation in the Frederick County community.

Meet a Recycling Expert from Frederick County Division of Waste and Recycling and discover what really happens to your trash and recycling after it leaves the curb, learn simple ways to reduce waste at home, and explore how small everyday choices can make a big environmental impact. Through interactive activities and hands-on learning, kids will become waste-wise helpers ready to take care of their community and planet! This program supports By the People: Civic Engagement for All, an FCPL initiative to foster civic knowledge and participation in the Frederick County community.  

Celebrate Pride Month by making mini tea light globes! We’ll also have bracelet and keychain supplies. Come and create something as fun and unique as you are!

In light of America’s 250th birthday this year, Curious Iguana is eager to welcome historian and author David O. Stewart  on Tuesday, June 16 from 6:00-7:00 pm. David will discuss his latest book, The Democracy We Must Keep with Holly Smith, editor-in-chief of the Washington Independent Review of Books. Following their discussion, David will answer questions and sign books. Copies of The Democracy We Must Keep will be available for purchase at the event.  This event is free and open to the public, hosted in partnership with the Frederick County Public Library. For accessibility requests, email info@curiousiguana.com at least two (2) weeks prior to the event. About the book: "A great scholar of the American past, David O. Stewart has brilliantly mined what has come before to guide us in our own, all-too-urgent American present. An important and timely volume." ~ Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The American Struggle What did America's founders say about democracy—and can we remain true to their vision for America? Two hundred fifty years ago, passionate men attempted to create something the world had never seen before: a nation built not on kings or armies, but on ideas where the people ruled. In The Democracy We Must Keep, historian David O. Stewart takes readers inside the nine key documents that shaped the formation of the United States—from Patrick Henry's thunderous cry for liberty to the carefully crafted design of a government chosen by the people, with limits on all officials holding power under the Constitution. Through the words of seven visionary founders—Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Hamilton, Gouverneur Morris, and others—Stewart shows how a fragile experiment in self-government took shape. These men were not saints. They argued passionately. They worried that the new nation might fall apart. Yet together, they forged the principles that must still define American democracy. That power must be limited. That leaders must answer to the people. That individual rights must be protected by law. As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, The Democracy We Must Keep urges readers to rediscover core ideas that built the nation—and to consider what it will take to protect them. About the author: A trial and appellate lawyer for many years, David O. Stewart now writes history and historical novels. His five narrative histories have won seven awards from literary organizations, and his five historical novels include best-sellers. In 2023, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Washington Independent Review of Books, of which he is the founding president. About the moderator: Holly Smith is editor-in-chief of the Washington Independent Review of Books, as well as a college lecturer, longtime freelance writer, and proud “Jeopardy!” bronze medalist. Prior to joining the Independent, she was managing editor of Maryland Life magazine. Her work has appeared in the Washington Post, CNBC.com , Salon, and elsewhere. She also co-authored the travel guide Seafood Lover’s Chesapeake Bay, which is ironic since she doesn’t eat fish. Find her on Bluesky at @‌HSmithWrites.

Drop in anytime between 11:00 am and 12:30 pm to join us for a variety of crafts, games, puzzles, and DIY activities. Leveled options of activities will be provided so different ages can participate in the same program: elementary, tween/teen, and adult. 

Follow in the footsteps of kids from American history! Plant a victory garden, play historic games, create advocacy posters, and experience so much more in this interactive adventure! Bring your favorite doll, stuffie, or toy as your travel companion! Toys will be provided for use. This program supports By the People: Civic Engagement for All, an FCPL initiative to foster civic knowledge and participation in the Frederick County community.

Need help expunging your record from a past conviction? Meet with an attorney from Maryland Legal Aid to discuss your options and begin the process.  This is a free service!

Join us for an inspiring 45-minute video presentation from Professor Doug Tallamy of Homegrown National Park. Learn how biodiversity is declining and what you can do to help, including simple, effective ways to create habitat and support wildlife. This program supports By the People: Civic Engagement for All, an FCPL initiative to foster civic knowledge and participation in the Frederick County community.

Join us for an early celebration of America’s 250th! Learn about the kind of pens the founding fathers used and how fountain pens and handwriting have evolved over time! Write your own letter to the 1776 Continental Congress!  Ages 11 and up This program supports By the People: Civic Engagement for All, an FCPL initiative to foster civic knowledge and participation in the Frederick County community.

Before the C&O Canal, before the B&O Railroad, between 1785 and 1828 over 200,000 tons of freight, mostly grain, was shipped down the Potomac River to Georgetown and out to a hungry world. This was the accomplishment of George Washington’s Potomac Company, established in 1785 to “get the rocks out of the way” and allow for in-river navigation of the Potomac River.  This lecture will allow you to see the Potomac River system through the eyes of our first President. It will review the technologies used to “open up” the Potomac revealing the successes and failures of the project. Our speaker is Paul Kreingold the Conservation Director of the Loudoun County Chapter of the Izaak Walton League, Virginia Master Naturalist and author of Potomac Marble: The History of the Search for the Ideal Stone.

Experience the ways that lines drawn on maps impact our representation and governance. Manipulate this power first-hand and see the consequences of your actions. For teens in grades 8-12. This program supports By the People: Civic Engagement for All, an FCPL initiative to foster civic knowledge and participation in the Frederick County community.

July 1, 2026 is the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. The bloodiest day in the British Army's history. The Somme offensive, however, was a diversion meant to relieve pressure on the French city of Verdun. There, the Germans had begun an offensive in Feb 1916 to bleed the French Army white. 1916 was a turning point in WWI. Belligerents on the Western Front began long, horrific battles of attrition. While much has been written about the impact of this bloody year on the fighting men, the consequences of "total war" on the civilian populations have been less studied. Historian Scott Hileman will give an overview of Verdun and the Somme before we see footage of the fighting in "Apocalypse WWI Part 03: Hell" (2016). Microbiologist Mark Chee will discuss how the incredible strains of the Great War exacerbated the eventual impact of the 1918 influenza pandemic.   This program supports By the People: Civic Engagement for All, an FCPL initiative to foster civic knowledge and participation in the Frederick County community.

Celebrate the stars, stripes, and summer spirit at Happy Birthday America! Join us for a star-spangled celebration filled with crafts, games, and hands-on activities all about Independence Day. Families will enjoy patriotic fun as we learn, create, and celebrate together!  This program supports By the People: Civic Engagement for All, an FCPL initiative to foster civic knowledge and participation in the Frederick County community.

Let's celebrate America's 250th birthday! Join us for songs, rhymes, and a story that bring America's history and spirit to life. Feel free to wear your best red, white, and blue outfit. Designed for ages 0 and up with a caregiver. This program supports By the People: Civic Engagement for All, an FCPL initiative to foster civic knowledge and participation in the Frederick County community.  

Back by popular demand! Have fun, make cards, listen to music, hang out! Come with friends or meet new ones. Cards will be donated to community-based health care and senior centers. Service hours available. Participants can come and go anytime during the 2-hour program as convenient. Plan to spend about an hour to make a card. Geared for ages 9 - 18.

Happy 250th Birthday America! We’ll share festive stories, sing patriotic tunes, and enjoy spirited activities perfect for little firecrackers and their grown-ups. Get ready for a star-spangled good time filled with stories that sparkle! Music, movement, and stories for the whole family. Designed for ages 0 and up with a caregiver. This program supports By the People: Civic Engagement for All, an FCPL initiative to foster civic knowledge and participation in the Frederick County community.

Explore the ways that your values and civics influence each other. Work together to create a mural that reflects and integrates you and your values with the broad diversity of our community. No experience necessary! For teens and tweens in grades 4-12. Activities while supplies last.  This program supports By the People: Civic Engagement for All, an FCPL initiative to foster civic knowledge and participation in the Frederick County community.

Don't Be Fooled! Scam Proof yourself and your loved ones. Join Long Term Care Ombudsman Jayme Duva to learn about the top 10 scams targeting older adults.  Learn how to protect yourself and family members about detecting and preventing fraud.  You will also find out who to contact if a scam has occurred and leave with resources to keep on hand or share.  

What is voting? Find out in this hands-on program featuring a variety of fun activities! This program is for children in kindergarten through 5th grades (ages 5-10).

FCPL was recently selected as one of 50 libraries across the country to participate in TED Democracy. As a satellite location, FCPL will livestream the day-long TED event at New Spire Arts Stages in downtown Frederick. Attendees will be able to hear speakers as they discuss thought-provoking and educational experiences respecting individual views and honoring the spirit of dialogue established nearly 250 years ago. After the event, a panel discussion of local Frederick historians and thought leaders will engage the audience in a meaningful dialogue. This program supports By the People: Civic Engagement for All, an FCPL initiative to foster civic knowledge and participation in the Frederick County community.

Help spread comfort in our community! Partnering with Frederick Health, the Teen Library Council will teach you how to sew soft items that support patients facing surgery, cancer treatment, or memory care challenges.

Help support a great cause by cutting yarn for The Magic Yarn Project! Participants will earn volunteer hours while preparing materials that will be used to create yarn wigs for children with medical hair loss.

Learn how to make plantable seed paper to share with the Walkersville community. Participants will earn service hours as they create seed paper that will be shared with visitors to the library.

Join a voting and democracy expert from the League of Women Voters as they explain the process and importance of voting and the democratic process. Ages 13+    This program supports By the People: Civic Engagement for All, an FCPL initiative to foster civic knowledge and participation in the Frederick County community.

The Shoulders We Stand On documents the efforts to achieve the right of women to vote in Maryland and the United States. The program shows the teamwork, strategy, and some of the conflicts within the movement to gain popular support for voter rights. The relevance of the suffragists’ efforts and the right to vote—for both women and men—to today will be explored using the unique artifacts and photographs from Pratt Library Special Collections Woman Suffrage Collection.

Join Middletown Branch Librarians at the Middletown 50+ Community Center for trivia inspired by the 250th anniversary of our nation.  Middletown 50+ Community Center is located at:101 Prospect StreetMiddletown, MD 21769     This program supports By the People: Civic Engagement for All, an FCPL initiative to foster civic knowledge and participation in the Frederick County community.

Join Middletown Branch Librarians at the Middletown 50+ Community Center for trivia inspired by the 250th anniversary of our nation. 

Join us every Thursday this summer for a Tween/Teen Leadership Camp and earn Community Service hours each week. Today, we will kick off our camp with games, snacks and lots of activities.  Our theme today is Civic Responsibilities. Mayor Davis will be our guest speaker, and our community service project is making buttons for the Teen area in our library.

During World War 2 many people in the United States were encouraged to grow their own vegetables. Learn the history of this practice and start growing your own delicious plants!    This program supports By the People: Civic Engagement for All, an FCPL initiative to foster civic knowledge and participation in the Frederick County community.

Through games, discussion, and interactive activities, tweens will learn positive ways to use their voices to advocate for themselves and their friends. The session highlights Heartly House, teen advocacy, and ways young people can stand up for respect and safety, including Project H.E.A.R.T.S. (for grades 4-8). This program supports By the People: Civic Engagement for All, an FCPL initiative to foster civic knowledge and participation in the Frederick County community.

Teens, Families, Adults and Seniors: visit our Volunteer Fair to learn about amazing volunteer opportunities available in Frederick County including: Friends of Walkersville Library Glade Valley Community Services Sleep in Heavenly Peace Stream Link Education United Way Walk to End Alzheimer's and more!

Join the Myersville-Wolfsville Area Historical Society to learn how local voting initiatives and the decisions of Myersville residents have shaped our community since its incorporation in 1904. This program supports By the People: Civic Engagement for All, an FCPL initiative to foster civic knowledge and participation in the Frederick County community.