Circulation
Service Policy: Circulation
The goal of the Fargo Public Library is to have citizens use the collection as much as they need and want. In support of this goal, the Fargo Public Library does not charge late fees on overdue materials. To facilitate equitable access to circulating materials for all library users, the Fargo Public Library does have specific loan periods for items in its collection.
Borrower Agreement:
In return for the privilege of borrowing materials from the Fargo Public Library card holders agree to:
• Present their card or acceptable picture identification per the registration policy when borrowing materials.
• Be responsible for all materials borrowed on their card and to reimburse the library for lost or damaged materials.
• Return library materials on time.
• Recognize that the library retains the right to suspend borrowing privileges.
• Notify the library promptly of a change in name, mailing address, email address, or telephone number, or the loss of their library
card.
• Recognize that the library will refer accounts of fees and charges due over $500 to a collection agency.
Loan Periods:
• Books:
3 weeks, 2 renewals. Select, in-demand books may have a special 1-week circulation period and/or no renewals.
• Magazines:
3 weeks, 2 renewals. Current issues of adult magazines and those from closed stacks do not circulate.
• Audiobooks, Readalongs, CDs, Video Games, Kits, Devices, and Board Games:
3 weeks, 2 renewals
• DVDs, Blu-rays, and State Park Passes:
1 week, 2 renewals
• Interlibrary Loans:
4 weeks, no renewal
• Book Club in a Bag Kits:
6 weeks, no renewal
If the item is eligible, renewals will be made automatically. Patrons may also renew items online, in person, or over the phone. Eligible items may be renewed for up to 2 additional loan periods if there are no holds. The renewal period begins the day the item is renewed.
Limits:
A library user may have up to 50 physical items checked out at any time.
There may be specific limits on the number of checkouts by item type or collection.
Electronic Content:
Digital resources are available for circulation, which may be limited to Fargo residents and property owners. Circulation may be limited by consortial agreements. Digital resources are provided by vendors with whom the library contracts. Vendor limitations may determine usage limits or checkout periods.
In order to facilitate digital resource use, the library may share user data, including but not limited to name, email, and library barcode number, with the vendor. Users agree to be bound by the vendor’s terms of use and privacy policy.
Fees and Charges:
The Fargo Public Library does not charge late fees for overdue items. Items which are lost or damaged will be assessed fees per policy. Borrowers who have more than $30.00 in outstanding fees on their account may not check out materials. Borrowing may resume when fees are reduced below the $30.00 maximum by returning item(s) or by payment of fees. The library will not accept replacement item(s) in lieu of payment of lost items or damage fees.
The names of borrowers who have over $500 in fees may be referred to a collection agency. Borrowers may be responsible for any fees charged by the collection agencies.
Damaged Items:
Materials returned with damage judged to be above normal wear and tear will be assessed damage fees. Materials that can no longer be circulated will be removed from the collection and assessed the full replacement cost. Damaged items from multi-part sets or kits will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Lost Items:
The replacement cost of an item is automatically billed to the borrower when it is 30 days overdue. This cost will be removed from the borrower’s account when the item is returned. The Fargo Public Library will provide a refund if the lost item is returned in good condition within 1 year of payment. Missing items from multi-part sets or kits will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
#005-2001
Approved 01-15-2002
Revised 09-20-2005
Revised 08-19-2008
Revised 05-18-2010
Revised 06-21-2011
Revised 03-20-2012
Revised 06-19-2012
Revised 04-16-2013
Revised 01-10-2016
Revised 11-21-2017
Revised 06-19-2018
Revised 10-16-2018
Revised 08-18-2020
Revised 09-15-2020
Revised 04-18-2023
Revised 05-20-2025