Children's Department

The Children's Services Department offers a variety of materials and programming for children and their families.

Winter/Spring Storytime

Weekly storytime returns to all Fargo Public Library locations! The Winter/Spring Storytime session for toddlers and preschoolers runs from Jan. 23 to April 12. All times are open to children ages 2-6. Pre-registration is not required.
Main Library: Mondays at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Northport Branch: Tuesdays at 10 a.m.
Dr. James Carlson Library: Wednesdays at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Battle of the Books

March Madness isn't the only battle going on this spring! Sixteen books will battle, but only one will win! Stop by the Main Library every two weeks and vote to make sure that your favorite advances to the next round. You can also cast your vote online.
Feb. 26-April 23
Winning book announced April 24.

Red River Valley Kids Read 2023

Summer Ruins by Deb Watley is the next book in the Red River Valley Kids Read regional reading program for kids, a partnership between the public libraries in Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo, Grand Forks and Wahpeton. Throughout March, kids are invited to read the book, attend an author visit, and take part in book-related events. A limited number of free books will be available beginning March 1 thanks to a donation from the Friends of the Fargo Public Library and a grant from the Awesome Foundation: Cass Clay. This book is most appropriate for kids in grades 3 and above. Take part in some fun activities, and complete the Red River Valley Kids Read Summer Ruins Beanstack Challenge by March 31 to earn an entry in a prize drawing.

Archeology Lab Tours
You might know that archeologists look for old things by digging in the ground, but searching for historical artifacts is a bit more complicated than just digging a hole! And what happens to the artifacts after they're found? Kids in grades 4 to 6 can learn more about this fascinating field of study when we tour NDSU's Archeology Lab with Dr. John Creese, anthropological archaeologist and Associate Professor of Anthropology. Tours will take place on March 25 at 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required and opens March 11. Space is extremely limited so we ask that families minimize the number of adults attending to provide as many children as possible an opportunity to participate. Registrants will receive directions and additional information the day before the tours.

It's a Mystery: Archeology & Fiction with Author Deb Watley
Deb Watley, author of Summer Ruins, will be visiting with kids at Bonanzaville (1351 Main Ave W, West Fargo) on Saturday, April 1 at 2 p.m. She will share what she's learned about the science of archeology and how she researches and writes her novels. Following her presentation, Bonanzaville curator David Hubin will provide a guided tour of the historical artifacts in the Main Building. This free event is most appropriate for kids ages 8 and up. No pre-registration is required.

Crafternoons

Makers ages 12 and younger are welcome to stop by the Dr. James Carlson Library on Mondays or the Northport Branch on Tuesdays to get their craft on! The fun begins at 3 p.m. and keeps going until 4:30 p.m. - join us each week from January 23-April 25 (note that the same project will be done at both locations). No pre-registration required.
March 20 & 21: Summer Ruins Coil Pots
March 27 & 28: Ribbon Bracelets

Baby Rhyme Time

Babies ages birth to 18 months are invited to join us for the next sessions of lapsit storytimes taking place at the Main Library on March 21 at 6:30 p.m., and at the Dr. James Carlson Library on March 23 at 10 a.m. Baby Rhyme Time is an opportunity for parents to share songs, fingerplays, short books, rhythms and rhymes with baby while introducing books and the library! Each session concludes with open play time. No pre- registration required. One child per grown-up lap please.

Family Trivia Nights

Rally your relatives and join us for family trivia night at the Main Library. Each month we'll feature a different theme and see who knows the most! Family trivia night is open to individuals, families, or teams of all ages - trivia works best for kids who are reading independently. Families are invited to pre-register at the beginning of the current month. Prizes for our top winners, and snacks for all!
March 30 at 6 p.m. - Road Trip: World Geography
April 27 at 6 p.m. - Mammals, Reptiles & Birds, Oh My!
May 25 at 6 p.m. - Harry Potter and the Night of Trivia

Kindergarten Success! Storytime

Get your child ready for Kindergarten by exploring literacy and STEAM topics through music, stories, songs, and play at the Main Library. Library staff will share tips you can use to instill a love of reading in your child. Activities follow each storytime and all children receive a FREE book! March will feature a special Seuss-tastic themed storytime and craft. These events are appropriate for children ages 3-5.
April 1 @ 10 a.m.
May 6 @ 10 a.m.

Paws for Reading

Our furry friends from Pet Partners of the Red River Valley have returned for another season of reading fun at the library. Reading therapy pets are available on the second Saturday of each month (September-April) to listen to children practice reading in a relaxed, informal setting. Kids in Kindergarten through 6th grade are invited to register for a 15 minute session with one of our non-judgmental listeners. Our final event of the season will take place on April 8 between 10 and 11 a.m. at the Main Library. Bring your own books to read or choose from a selection of library books. Call 701.241.1495 to register.

Going Places Book Club

We're reading all over the place in the Going Places Book Club! Kids in grades 3-7 are invited to join us monthly at the Main Library at 4 p.m. as we experience each month's featured book through related activities, discussion, snacks and crafts. Pick up your book and register for the current month at the Main Library, or call 701.241.1495.
April 11: Doodleville by Chad Sell

Libraries Dance! Storytime and Dance Series

F-M Ballet and Gasper's School of Dance will be at the Main Library for movement and fun! These storytimes are interactive with a brief dance lesson, so wear clothes/costumes you can move in! Dance storytimes are held at 6:30 p.m. and are geared toward children ages 3 and up. No pre-registration required.
April 12 - A Robot Dance Party

Dial-A-Story

If you’ve ever wished you could listen to a story, a poem, or even a joke at any time, day or night, now you can! Call the Library’s Dial-A-Story phone line at 701.298.6927 anytime and choose the children’s option; new recordings are available every Monday. Selections are recorded by Children’s Library staff and are up to 5 minutes in length. Dial-A-Story recordings can be accessed by any phone.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Children's Services Department. We'll be happy to help!

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.