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.
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 with at least 3 business days advance notice.
Upcoming Events for Kids and Families
Unearth a Story: 2026 Summer Reading Challenge
We are ready to Unearth a Story this summer! Track your days spent reading from June 8 - August 15 and earn chances to spin the wheel for some great prizes and a free book during the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge.
Summer Storytimes
The 2026 Summer Storytime sessions run from June 9 through July 29. These sessions are available for families to spend quality time sharing stories, learning school-readiness skills, and preparing children for a lifetime love of reading. Through the use of age-appropriate stories, songs, and fingerplays in a group setting, staff help parents and caregivers learn how to foster early literacy skills that prepare their children to learn to read – all while having super storytime fun! All sessions are open to children ages 2 – 6. No pre-registration is required.
Main Library - Tuesdays @ 10 a.m.
Dr. James Carlson Library - Wednesdays @ 10 a.m.
Dino Stomp Art
Stomp Around! Create messy dinosaur and stomp art using a variety of materials, like dinosaur toys, bubble wrap, and your own feet. We’ll provide aprons, but dress for a little mess just in case. This program is geared towards toddlers through elementary school ages and their adults. Younger kids may need to work together with their adults, while older kids may create independently. Pre-registration is required; only kids need to register. Registration opens June 1.
June 15 @ 1 p.m. - Dr. James Carlson Library
June 18 @ 6 p.m. - Main 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.
June 18 @ 10 a.m.
July 2 & 16 @ 10 a.m.
August 6 & 20 @ 10 a.m.
Uncommon Critters
Kids of all ages are invited to join us at the Main Library on June 22 at 2 p.m. when Amanda Hillier Hodney from Amanda's Critter Encounters shares a few of the amazing creatures in her menagerie. Lizards, snakes, birds and more will be on hand to give kids a chance to visit with some critters from the prehistoric animal family tree! Hodney has a degree in Natural Resources Management and has done independent exotic animal rescue for 16 years. No pre-registration is required.
Jurassic Park Movie and Craft
Join us for a dino-riffic showing of Jurassic Park (PG-13) at the Main Library on June 23 at 2 p.m.! During the movie, kids and teens can craft some roar-some Jurassic creations. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just dino-curious, this afternoon is sure to be tricera-TOPS! Bring the whole herd for crafts, laughs, and a larger-than-life movie experience. Life finds a way… and so does family fun at the library! Recommended for families with older children and teens due to some intense scenes in the film. Pre-registration is required.
Can YOU Dig It?: Unearthing Stories from the Past
What can a stone circle on the prairie or the foundation of an old building tell us? Join a real archaeologist at the Main Library on June 25 at 2 p.m., to unearth clues from the past and discover how we turn them into stories about the people who once lived here.
Archaeologist Amanda Baker has Bachelor degrees in Anthropology and Mediterranean Archaeology from Emory University and a Master's degree in Archaeology from the University of Cambridge. She is also the author of the children's book, Can YOU Dig It?: Archaeology Lost and Found in the Sands of Time, and currently works for Beaver Creek Archaeology and Environmental. Books will be available for purchase following the event.
Sensory Storytime
Join us at the Dr. James Carlson Library at 10 a.m. for an inclusive, sensory-friendly storytime presented by Anne Carlson Early Intervention designed specifically for young children who benefit from a gentle, supportive environment. We'll explore stories, songs, and movement activities using visuals, repetition, and hands-on sensory elements. Families can expect a calm, flexible space where children are free to move, make noise, and participate in the ways that feel comfortable for them. Sensory storytime is appropriate for ages 0 to 5 (siblings welcome).
June 25: Water
July 23: Ocean Animals
August 27: Community Helpers
Summer Movies
Join us for free movies and popcorn this summer at the Dr. James Carlson Library. Movies start at 1 p.m. Adults must accompany children age 9 and younger.
June 26: The Land Before Time, rated G, 69 minutes
July 10: The Good Dinosaur, rated PG, 100 minutes
July 24: Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, rated PG, 94 minutes
August 14: Night at the Museum, rated PG, 108 minutes
Roar & Score: Dinosaur Trivia & Game Night
Get ready to stomp, chomp and compete! Join us at the Dr. James Carlson Library on June 29 at 6 p.m. for a high-energy family trivia night. Participants will test their dino-knowledge with age-appropriate trivia, then jump into interactive game show challenges - think guessing games, prehistoric spelling bee, and team competitions inspired by everyone's favorite Jurassic creatures. Perfect for families with kids ages 4 and up (younger siblings welcome). Costumes encouraged but not required. Come ready to roar! Register by calling 701.241.1495 beginning June 1.
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.
July 9 @ 10 a.m.
August 13 @ 10 a.m.
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. No pre-registration is required.
August 1 @ 10 a.m. - Dino Dance Party
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!