Service Policy: Registration
A Fargo Public Library card account gives borrowing and usage privileges at all Fargo Public Library locations and provides remote access to the Library’s online resources.
Who can get a free Fargo Public Library card?
Library cards are available for free to residents and taxpayers of Fargo. K–12 students in Fargo public and private schools whose residences may be outside the city limits also qualify for a free Fargo Public Library card. These cards expire after five years.
You may also qualify for a free Fargo Public Library card if you live in the following areas:
• The West Fargo Public Library service area
• The 7-county area served by the Lake Agassiz Regional Library (LARL)
Users from these reciprocal libraries must present a valid library card from their home library. These library systems also extend the same benefit to cardholders from the Fargo Public Library. If residents of the LARL system and West Fargo choose not to have cards from their local library system, they will be charged the non-resident fee.
Other residents of North Dakota may also get a free non-resident Fargo Public Library card.
For users who do not qualify for a free Fargo Public Library card, paid non-resident cards are available. Non-resident cards are valid for one year for a fee of $20 per year. The non-resident fee is set by the Library Board of Directors based on the library’s per-household revenue from property taxes.
How to Get a Library Card
Applicants who are age sixteen and older must present a current picture ID and proof of current residence, and complete the application form. If a person applied for a library card online, the applicant must present a current picture ID and proof of current residence when picking up the card.
For applicants who are fifteen and younger, the parent or legal guardian of the child must present their own current picture ID and proof of current residence and complete the application form. If the application is submitted online, the parent/legal guardian must present a current picture ID and proof of current residence when picking up the card.
Acceptable picture ID (must present one):
• Driver’s license or non-driver’s state ID
• Passport
• School photo ID
• College or university photo ID
• Tribal ID (with or without photo)
• Armed services photo ID
• Permanent resident photo ID (Green Card)
• State or Federal government-issued photo ID
Photocopied IDs or pictures of IDs are not accepted.
If the address on the photo ID is not current, additional address verification is required. Acceptable proof of address/residence includes, but is not limited to:
• Mail postmarked and addressed to the applicant
• Utility bill
• Rent receipt
If proof of residence is not available, the library card will be mailed to the residence address to verify current address. Library services will remain limited until the address is verified.
Computer Access Cards
Computer Access cards are issued to individuals to use the library’s public computer services. This card has no borrowing privileges. A Computer Access card is available to individuals age sixteen and older. The card is valid for one year, and provides up to four hours of computer access per day. Most forms of ID are accepted, including temporary State ID, organizational and corporate ID, shelter ID, bus passes, photocopied ID and pictures of ID, as well as the acceptable picture IDs noted above.
Organizational Library Cards
To register for an organizational library card, an organization must submit a brief letter of request on organizational letterhead, along with the completed application form. The authorized person who signs the application form is responsible for the organizational library card. The organization is financially responsible for all materials checked out on that organizational library card. If the authorized person for the organization has changed, a brief letter on organizational letterhead of the authorization change must be submitted. Organizational cards are valid for three years.
Outreach Library Card Services
Applicants who reside within Fargo city limits and are unable to come to the Fargo Public Library due to a temporary or permanent disability may qualify for at-home registration. A member of the Outreach Department will visit eligible individuals to complete their library card registration. Contact the Outreach Department directly for more information.
Student Digital Resources Card (K–12)
This card is available for free to K–12 students in Fargo public and private schools, including those whose residences may be outside the city limits, to access select online library resources. This card does not allow borrowing of physical items. To gain full access to library materials and borrowing privileges, see How to Get a Library Card above.
A teacher, librarian, or other school official may complete the Student Digital Resources card application form in lieu of parent or guardian, either at a library location or school. Contact the Children’s Department directly for more information.
To Renew Your Library Card
Library services may be limited until renewal is completed.
• Patrons age sixteen and older must come into the library and show acceptable picture ID to renew the account. For patrons fifteen and younger, the child’s parent or legal guardian must complete the process.
• To renew an organizational library card, the authorized person must come into the library and show acceptable picture ID to update the account. If the authorized person for the organization has changed, a brief letter on organizational letterhead of the authorization change must be submitted.
• Renewal of Outreach library cards is coordinated through the Outreach Department.
If You Lose Your Card
Please contact the Library immediately if your library card is lost or stolen as you are responsible for any borrowed items. There is a $1.00 replacement fee for lost or missing library cards.
#003-2002
Approved 07-16-2002
Revised 01-28-2003
Revised 12-13-2005
Revised 04-16-2013
Revised 07-15-2014
Reviewed 06-19-2018
Revised 07-17-2018
Revised 02-19-2019
Revised 12-21-2021
Reviewed 03-19-2024
Revised 05-20-2025