Adult Programs & Events
We welcome adults of any age to join us for author events, instructional classes, workshops, and more. Anyone is able to participate, even if you don't have a Fargo Public Library card. Some programs and events require registration, and others are first come, first serve. If registration is required, it will be listed in the details for each event.
If you need any accommodation in order to participate, we are happy to help to the best of our ability. Please contact us at accessibility@fargolibrary.org or call 701.241.1495 at least 3 business days in advance.
Annual Bookmark Design Contest Happening in September
The library's annual Design-a-Bookmark Contest kicks off Sept. 2, and runs through Sept. 30. Artists of all ages are encouraged to take part. Entry forms and rules for the all ages design contest can be picked up at any Fargo Public Library location starting Sept. 2 or download and print here Entries will be accepted at all three library locations and must be turned in, on or before Saturday, Sept. 30. Please note: No late submissions will be accepted. Library staff will vote to determine the winners of the contests, and winners will be announced in October. Winning bookmark entries will be printed and distributed at library locations and various library events.
Adult Contest: Two winners will be selected. Adults can submit up to two designs and all entries will be displayed at the downtown Main Library. Library staff will vote to determine the winners of the contest; winners will be announced in October. For further information, call Lori at 701.476.5977.
One Book One Community Reading Program Events at the Library
In its 14th year, the One Book, One Community reading program centers on the community-wide reading of a single book and is dedicated to creating a shared conversation along with a range of related events and activities for residents of all ages. This year's selected title is The Bell in the Lake by Norwegian author Lars Mytting.
Copies of the book will be available for checkout in several formats at each of the participating libraries. For details and a list of related events, resources, program partners, and program sponsors, visit www.1book1community.org.
This year’s One Book, One Community reading project features several events including book discussions, presentations, films and other programs. The event series includes an author visit set for Monday, Sept. 29, at the Knutson Campus Center Centrum on the campus of Concordia College.
All One Book, One Community events are free and open to the public. Some events do require pre-registration to attend.
Upcoming One Book, One Community events happening at the Fargo Public Library:
• Thirteen Strings from Scandinavia: Scandinavian Music by Andrea Hoag and Loretta Kelley
Saturday, Sept. 6 – Main Library at 2 p.m.
• Troll Storytime
Saturday, Sept. 13 – Dr. James Carlson Library at 10 a.m.
• Project: Constellation Concert
Saturday, Sept. 20 – Main Library at 2 p.m.
• Rosemaling Workshop*
*Space is limited; pre-registration is required. Register online starting Sept. 13.
Saturday, Sept. 27 – Dr. James Carlson Library from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Oxblood Film Screening with Actress Jeanne Bøe
Tuesday, Sept. 30 – Sons of Norway - Kringen Lodge at 6:30 p.m.
• Kindergarten Success! Storytime featuring Troll Stories
Saturday, Oct. 4 – Main Library at 10 a.m.
• Intro to Lefse Making Class*
*Space is limited; pre-registration is required. Register online starting Sept. 20.
Saturday, Oct. 4 – Dr. James Carlson Library from 1 - 2:30 p.m.
• Norway's Beautiful National Costumes
Wednesday, Oct. 8 – Main Library at 6 p.m.
• Explore Your Norwegian Roots: Introductory Genealogy Class
Thursday, Oct. 23 – Main Library at 6 p.m.
This project is made possible in part with funding from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund (Major Sponsor), Lake Agassiz Regional Library (Major Sponsor), and the Friends of the Fargo Public Library (Major Sponsor). Additional support provided by Concordia Cultural Events, Moorhead Community Education, Friends of the West Fargo Public Library and the Friends of the Moorhead Library.
Partner organizations for the 2025 One Book, One Community reading project: Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo public libraries, Concordia College’s Carl B. Ylvisaker Library, Minnesota State University Moorhead’s Livingston Lord Library, North Dakota State University Libraries and the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County.
Fall "Silent" Reading Parties
B.Y.O. Book or check out a librarian-selected title. Enjoy a good book and a beverage along with others who appreciate the same. Librarians will be on hand to provide snacks and reading suggestions, set up library accounts, and check out books. No registration is required to attend the library's Silent Reading Parties. For further details, contact Sarah at 701.241.8295.
Upcoming date and location:
Sunday, Sept. 7 – Wild Terra* (6 –12th St. N.) at 2 p.m.
Sunday, Oct.12 – Black Coffee & Waffle Bar (550 – 2nd Ave. N.) at 2 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 15 – Front Street Taproom* (614 Main Ave.) at 2 p.m.
* Please note: Silent Reading Party events are for adults (21+) unless listed otherwise.
Exploring Mexican Culture in the Fargo-Moorhead Area Event Set for Sept. 13
In honor of Mexico's Independence Day, join us for an event with NDSU's Emily Reynolds Historic Costume Collection (ERHCC) and CASA (Cultura Amigos Salud Ambiente), a Minnesota non-profit that serves the Latino community of Clay and Cass Counties. All are welcome to explore ERHCC’s pieces of material culture focusing on Mexican clothing and textiles along with CASA’s resources to support the F-M area’s Mexican and Latino residents. All ages are welcome to this event.
Tuesday, Sept. 16 – Main Library at 5:30 p.m.
Fall Classes with AARP North Dakota
Join us for the fall classes from AARP North Dakota! Register via the link provided.
• A Home Fit for Aging
Older adults want to remain in their current homes and communities for as long as possible, yet barely one percent of the nation’s housing supply contains any “universal design” elements—such as single story living or a sink that can be reached from a wheelchair. Learn ways in which individuals and families can make their current or future residence–or that of a loved one–their “lifelong home.” Pre-registration is required. Register online: https://events.aarp.org/Fit9-10-25
Wednesday, Sept. 10 – Dr. James Carlson Library at 1:30 p.m.
• Government Imposter Scams
Scammers are becoming more and more savvy in their efforts to take your money and/or identity, especially by pretending to be someone they’re not. Stay up to date on impostor scams by joining this free event to understand the top ways to spot and avoid them, and more. Pre-registration is required. Register online with AARP at https://events.aarp.org/Imposter10-8-25
Wednesday, Oct. 8 – Dr. James Carlson Library at 1:30 p.m.
• Trends in Frauds & Scams
Have you ever been approached with a fraudulent offer or been a victim of identity theft? The AARP Fraud Watch Network is working to empower you in the fight, with proven resources and tools to help you spot and avoid identity theft and fraud. This session will arm you with the latest data on fraud trends and provide tips and resources to protect yourself and your family. Pre-registration is required. Register online with AARP at https://events.aarp.org/Trends11-12-25
Wednesday, Nov. 12 – Dr. James Carlson Library at 1:30 p.m.
ND Job Service at the Main Library
North Dakota Job Service Staff will be at the downtown Main Library on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 2 to 4 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Contact Beth at 701.241.1492 for details.
ND Job Service staff will be on site to offer:
– Job seeker assistance
– Veteran's services
– Information on training programs
– Resume building assistance
– Migrant and seasonal farm worker services
Learn more about the services offered by Job Service North Dakota at https://www.jobsnd.com/
Upcoming date: Sept.16, Oct. 21, Nov. 18, Dec. 16
Ongoing Adult Programs and Events
Community Game Nights
Join us for Community Game Nights at the library. A variety of tabletop games will be provided at each session, and participants are also encouraged to bring a favorite game they would like to share. All tabletop gaming experience levels are welcome. Game Nights are scheduled for the 1st Monday of the month at the Northport Library. Starting in January, Community Game Nights will be offered on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Dr. James Carlson Library. Snacks will be provided. These sessions are recommended for ages 16+ and families are welcome. No registration is required.
Upcoming dates:
1st Mondays at the Northport Library from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 6, Nov. 3, and Dec. 1 (No Sept. date due to the Labor Day holiday.)
2nd Wednesdays at the Dr. James Carlson Library from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 10, Oct. 8, Nov. 12, and Dec. 10
Yoga for Beginners at the Dr. James Carlson Library
Yoga for Beginners is geared for those who haven’t tried yoga before or who want a refresher. Along with gentle stretching, this class will teach breathing exercises to provide calmness. Bring a yoga mat if you have one or a large towel and wear comfortable clothing that is easy to move in. This program is for adults. Fall classes are held most Thursday evenings at 6 p.m., at the Dr. James Carlson Library. Contact Lori W. at 701.476.5977 with questions.
Thursday evenings – Dr. James Carlson Library at 6 p.m.
Monthly Jigsaw Puzzle Socials at the Main Library and the Dr. James Carlson Library
Calling all puzzle lovers! Do you have lots of puzzles just taking up space in your closet? Do you want to meet other jigsaw puzzle enthusiasts? Let's work on a puzzle together while chatting and making friends. We’ll have puzzles available or you are welcome to bring some to swap. No registration is required. These sessions are recommended for adults and teens(16+). Snacks and beverages will be provided. Contact Christina at 701.241.8199 for details.
Select Tuesdays at the Dr. James Carlson Library at 5 p.m.
Sept. 2, Oct. 7, Nov. 4, and Dec. 2
Select Saturdays at the downtown Main Library at 9 a.m.
Sept. 20, Oct. 18, Nov. 15, and Dec. 20
Tech Help Sessions at the Dr. James Carlson Library on Tuesdays and at the Main Library on Wednesdays
Tech Help is offered weekly at both the Dr. James Carlson Library Branch and the downtown Main Library. Need help with getting connected to eBooks? Can’t quite understand your new “smart” device? Struggling with questions with such programs as Word or Excel?
Tech Help is offered each Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Dr. James Carlson Library. Our tech expert staff are available in the Christianson Conference Room for one-on-one assistance with technology issues. Call the Dr. James Carlson Adult Services Desk at 701.476.5980 to register for a 30-minute session. Drop-ins will be accepted based on availability of staff.
Tuesdays – Dr. James Carlson Library from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
•
Tech Help is offered each Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. at the downtown Main Library. Our librarians are ready to help you, one-on-one, with your technology questions. Call 701.241.1492 for an appointment, or you may drop in at the Main Library Community Room (if time slots are still available).
Wednesdays – Main Library from 3 to 5 p.m.
Please note: When attending Tech Help, please bring your device – laptop, smartphone, e-book reader, etc. – with you.
Virtual Book Parties
It’s like a book club, but you can read whatever you want! Chat about the books you've been reading recently. Or, find out what our librarians recommend. No registration is required. We meet online on the library's Facebook page to discuss all things books. Contact Megan at 701.241.1492 for details.
Upcoming dates:
Thursday, Sept. 18 – ONLINE on Facebook at 7 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 16 – ONLINE on Facebook at 7 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 20 – ONLINE on Facebook at 7 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 18 – ONLINE on Facebook at 7 p.m.
Chess Club at the Main Library
All area kids, teens, and adults are invited to be part of the library's Chess Club. Whether you are an expert or are new to the game, chess players of all ages and abilities are invited to join. Chess Club meets Tuesday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Dawson Conference Room at the downtown Main Library. Newcomers and novice chess players are welcome. Local chess expert Joe McNamara will facilitate and lead the sessions. The library’s Chess Club is free and open to all ages; registration is not required. Adults must accompany children under 10 years old. For more information about this or any other Fargo Public Library program, please call Lori West at 701.476.5977.
Tuesday evenings – Main Library from 5 to 8 p.m.
Weekly Thursday Learning Garden Sessions at the Dr. James Carlson Library
The Growing Together, a local community garden group, and the library have partnered together to maintain and harvest the Library Learning Garden Plots located near the Dr. James Carlson Library. Gardening sessions occur weekly on Thursdays starting at 10 a.m. throughout spring, summer and early fall. These sessions are a wonderful way to learn about gardening, be active, and experience the many additional benefits of community gardening. No gardening experience is necessary, and all ages are welcome.
Weekly garden sessions are:
Thursdays – Dr. James Carlson Library at 10 a.m. (through Sept. 25)
2025 FPL Reading Challenge Starts January 1, 2025
The Fargo Public Library is excited to announce the 2025 Fargo Public Library Reading Challenge! This challenge is designed for adult and older teen (16+)readers who are looking to add fun, discover a new favorite, or have a little extra motivation for reading during the year. Registration is open and participation starts January 1 in Beanstack. The challenge runs through Dec. 31, 2025. Throughout the year, participants complete any of the 12 reading prompts by keeping track and entering the title of what you read in Beanstack. Participants who complete 10 of the 12 prompts will be entered to win a grand prize drawing at the end of the year. If you need recommendations for the reading prompts, contact the Main Library's Information Desk at 701.241.1492 or email askreference@fargolibrary.org to request title suggestions.
To get started with the 2025 Reading Challenge, visit the Beanstack website. Or, download the Beanstack app:
• Apple Store
• Google PlayDetails about the year-long 2025 Reading Challenge for adults and older teens(16+) coming soon.
Dial-a Story Available
If you ever wish you could have a story, a poem, or even a Shakespearean monologue read to you at any time, day or night, now you can. Call the Library’s Dial-A-Story line at 701.298.6927 anytime to listen to a short story, poem, Shakespearean monologue, or children's story. New recordings are available every Monday. Selections are recorded by Library Outreach Staff and are 3 to 5 minutes in length. Dial-A-Story can be accessed from any phone.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or comments, please contact us.
Library Program Evaluation
Attended one of our programs? Tell us about your experience! This is a post-program survey to help us bring more events to our patrons. Your feedback means a great deal to us; thank you for your time in filling out this form.