Workers at Frederick County Public Library System Win Their Union with AFSCME Council 3
200 library workers join Frederick County Library Workers United, AFSCME
FREDERICK COUNTY, Md. – On November 19, a neutral arbitrator certified that the library workers at the Frederick County Public Library System demonstrated majority support with AFSCME Maryland Council 3. The union represents 200 librarians, library associates, library technicians, circulation staff, and others who are employees of the Frederick County Public Library.
Workers began organizing their union earlier this year and filed their union petition on November 4, 2025. Members of Frederick County library Workers United are committed to fighting for fair wages, a voice in the decision-making process, more transparent communication, increased job protection, paths to promotion, adequate staffing, and improved employee retention.
Library workers in Frederick County join workers at the Anne Arundel County Public Library, Howard County Public Library system and the Enoch Pratt Free Library system, who have all unionized with AFSCME Maryland Council 3 in the last few years as part of AFSCME’s national Cultural Workers United campaign. Nationally, AFSCME represents over 35,000 library workers.
“We are thrilled that the library workers at the Frederick County Public Library System have won their union! Now, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get to the bargaining table.” Patrick Moran, President of AFSCME Maryland Council 3.
“Now that our union is certified, I’m excited to work together to make FCPL even better while protecting what’s already making it a great place to work. I’ve been at FCPL for over 7 years, and I love working here, but it shouldn’t be a job that is only open to those who have a partner or other outside financial support. We should be able to afford to live in the community we serve.” Deana Greenberg, Circulation Clerk
“I’ve worked at FCPL for nearly 20 years, and while I’ve cherished my time here, it’s also been frustrating to see talented coworkers leave because of low pay and a lack of opportunities to grow. I’m excited to be able to build a better library system together.” Susan Kloc, Library Technician
“When I previously worked at University of Maryland College Park, I was an AFSCME shop steward and knew the value of my union and being able to stand in solidarity with my coworkers. I’m excited to be a union member with AFSCME once again. I’m so proud of my many colleagues across FCPL who voiced their support for our union and got us to this moment. I feel more connected to so many coworkers across our library through this process, and I can’t wait to keep growing our union together.” Emily Spangler, Librarian I
“I’m so thrilled to have formed our union with AFSCME and to be able to work with my coworkers to protect and improve our library system. I want FCPL to be somewhere all employees can flourish and grow, and where we can have sustainable careers for many years to come. I can’t wait to start the work of making that a reality.” Sarah Weishampel, Library Associate
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About AFSCME
AFSCME's 1.4 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in communities across the nation, serving in hundreds of different occupations — from nurses to corrections officers, childcare providers to sanitation workers — AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and freedom and opportunity for all working families.
About AFSCME Maryland Council 3
AFSCME Maryland Council 3 represents nearly 50,000 public service workers in local, city, county and state government as well as in higher education and the private sector who provide the valuable public services that our communities rely on. From Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore, we make Maryland happen.