Children's Department
The Children's Services Department offers a variety of materials and programming for children and their families.
Check out this short introductory video to meet the Children's Librarians at the Fargo Public Library.
Upcoming Events for Kids and Families
Adventure Begins at Your Library with the Summer Reading Challenge
Are you looking for a little adventure to spice up your summer? You can be sure to find it at the library! The theme to the 2024 Summer Reading Challenge is Adventure Begins at Your Library, and we're bringing the fun and prizes as we read from June 3 to August 17. Find out how to start tracking your reading on the Summer Reading Challenge page (registration opens May 20) and join us for some adventurous stories and experiences at the library!
Summer Storytime
Kids ages 2 to 6 are invited to join us for a summer of stories at the library! Each week during the Summer Reading Challenge, beginning June 4 through July 31, storytimes will take place at the Dr. James Carlson Library on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and at the Main Library on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. With stories, songs and fingerplays, we'll be having super storytime fun! No pre-registration is required.
Navy Week: Educational Displays and Storytime
The Fargo Public Library is excited to once again host events during Fargo's Navy Week. Navy Weeks are the service's signature outreach program, designed to allow the citizens of Fargo to learn about the Navy, its people, and its importance to national security and prosperity. This will be the third time the Fargo Public Library has hosted Navy Week events. No registration is required and all Navy Week events are free & open to the public.
• Navy Week Events: Educational Displays
Learn more about the important work and history of the Navy when Sailors visit the library. Personnel from the Navy History and Heritage Command will be on hand to share about the deep ties between ND and the Navy; Sailors from the USS Constitution will talk about the oldest commissioned ship in the Navy, where they currently still serve; and personnel from the US Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command will inform visitors of the importance of atmospheric and oceanographic science and the overall value of STEM education to the Navy. Educational displays will be set up on the following dates at these library locations:
Wednesday, July 24 – Dr. James Carlson Library at 11 a.m.
Thursday, July 25 – Main Library at 10 a.m.
• Navy Week Events: Navy Band Great Lakes Brass Quintet
The library will host a concert featuring the Navy Band Great Lakes Brass Quintet. The free concert is open to all ages. No pre-registration is required to attend.
Wednesday, July 24 – Dr. James Carlson Library at 1 p.m.
• Navy Week Events: Sailors Read to Kids Storytime
Join us for a storytime featuring special guests, Navy Operational Support Center Sailors, who will share their favorite stories as well as talk to kids about what it’s like to serve in the Navy. This event is open to all ages, but is most appropriate for kids ages 3 to 7. No pre-registration is required to attend.
Thursday, July 25 – Main Library at 10 a.m.
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!
July 25 at 6 p.m. - From Marmaduke to Bluey: Famous Dogs
Little Squirt Travel Science
How do boats float? How do airplanes stay in the sky? How does a bicycle work? Whether your travel adventure is by boat, plane or bike, it involves science! Kids ages 3-5 are invited to explore the science of travel through stories and hands-on activities at these sessions of Little Squirt Science. Please note: parent/child interaction during these sessions is necessary to foster a child's success. This is best accomplished through a parent's undivided attention. Pre-registration is required.
July 26 at 11 a.m. - Main Library
July 27 at 11 a.m. - Dr. James Carlson Library
Baby Rhyme Time
Babies ages birth to 24 months are invited to join us for the next sessions of lapsit storytimes at the Dr. James Carlson Library. 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.
August 1 & 15 @ 10 a.m.
Summer Movies
Join us for free movies and popcorn every other Friday this summer at the Dr. James Carlson Library. Movies start at 1 p.m. Adults must accompany children age 9 and younger.
August 2: Ice Age (PG)
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! These events are appropriate for children ages 3-5.
August 3 @ 10 a.m.
Namaste Toddler/Preschool Yoga
Introducing Toddler/Pre-School Yoga by Mojo Fit! It's never too soon to learn how to relax, breathe, pose, and find your center, all while having fun at the Main Library with a certified yoga instructor from Mojo Fit. Come dressed to stretch and move. We have a few mats available for kiddos to use, but if you have your own, bring it along! This class is best suited for ages 2-6. No pre-registration required.
August 8 @ 10 a.m.
School Supply Bingo
B-I-N-G-O for school supplies! Come play to win supplies for the upcoming school year. This event is for kids ages 5 and up. No pre-registration is required.
August 12 at 11 a.m. - Main Library
August 13 at 10 a.m. - Northport Branch
August 13 at 2 p.m. - Dr. James Carlson Library
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.
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.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Children's Services Department. We'll be happy to help!