Adult Programs & Events

We welcome adults of any age to join us for author events, instructional classes, and more. Anyone is able to participate, even if you don't have a Fargo Public Library card. Some programs and events require registration, and others are first come, first serve. If registration is required, it will be listed in the details for each event.

Design-A-Bookmark Contest for All Ages Runs September 1 – 30

The Fargo Public Library is encouraging creativity with our 14th Annual Design-a-Bookmark Contest. Stop by any library locations starting September 1 and pick up an entry form (or download it here). Fill the space with your most brilliant creation and return it to any library location before close on September 30. The top designs (as voted on by library staff) will be made into full-color bookmarks that will be printed and distributed at library branches and events. The contest is open to kids, teens, and adults.

2023 One Book, One Community Reading Project

In its 12th year, the One Book, One Community reading project centers on the community-wide reading of a single book and is dedicated to creating a shared conversation along with a range of related events and activities for residents of all ages. This year's selected title is Hudson Bay Bound: Two Women, One Dog, Two Thousand Miles to the Arctic by Natalie Warren.

The book tells the remarkable 85-day journey of the first women to canoe the 2,000-mile route from Minneapolis to Hudson Bay. Following the route made famous by Eric Sevareid in his 1935 classic Canoeing with the Cree, Natalie Warren and Ann Raiho faced unexpected trials, some harrowing and some simply odd. Along the way, the two friends encounter occasional pitfalls that test character and friendship. Warren’s account retraces the women’s journey from inspiration to Arctic waters, giving readers an insider view from the practicalities of planning a three-month canoe expedition to the successful accomplishment of the adventure of a lifetime. The book follows these modern women (and their dog) as they recreate this historic trip, including the pleasures and perils, the sexism, the social and environmental implications and the enduring wonder of the wilderness.

Copies of the book will be available for checkout in several formats (physical and digital) at each of the participating libraries. For details and a list of related events, resources, program partners, and program sponsors, visit www.1book1community.org.

This year’s One Book, One Community reading project features several events including community book discussions, presentations, films and other programs. The event series includes an author visit set for Thursday, Oct. 19, at the Knutson Campus Center Centrum on the campus of Concordia College. All One Book, One Community events are free and open to the public. Some events do require pre-registration to attend.

Upcoming One Book, One Community events happening at the Fargo Public Library:
• Basics of Outdoor Recreation
Curious about a more outdoorsy lifestyle? Join Jenny Sheets, founder of Discover Outdoors, to learn all about the "Basics of Outdoor Recreation." She will provide guidance on clothing and gear for every season, outdoor safety ,camp and trail food, and share some of her favorite outdoor spots around the area. Jenny Sheets fell in love with the outdoors when she started working in the Grand Teton National Park at 18 years old. Since then she has hiked and climbed mountains across the US, Peru, Bolivia, Italy, and more. She's an avid long-distance trail runner, mountain biker, hiker, and camper. Her most recent adventure: learning how to camp with a two year old.
Thursday, Sept. 21 – Main Library at 6:30 p.m.

• Canoeing Adventures with Rollie Johnson
Presenter Rollie Johnson will share his experiences of building several wooden canoes and taking them on several trips to with groups to northern Minnesota and Montana. As part of his presentation, he will share his experience as a high school student who started his lifelong love of the outdoors and exploring by taking part in an Expeditions of North America trip in the summer of 1977. Johnson, a high schooler at the time, along with two leaders and six other high school boys, left Crane Lake, MN and paddled 1,300 miles over 70 days to reach the Churchill River in Canada. It turned out to be one of the greatest adventures of his life. Canoes will be on display.
Tuesday, Sept. 26 – Main Library at 6:30 p.m.
• Rivers as the Thread: Considerations from Hudson Bay Bound with Dr. Tess Varner
Rivers can act as the thread that binds us all together in inseparable community. Tess Varner, PhD will lead a discussion on Hudson Bay Bound, bringing in themes from the school of philosophical thought called deep ecology. Varner is an Associate Professor of Philosophy and Director of Women’s and Gender Studies from Concordia College.
Thursday, Oct. 5 – Main Library at 6:30 p.m.

The 2023 One Book, One Community reading project is made possible in part with funding from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund (major sponsor), the Lake Agassiz Regional Library (major sponsor), the Friends of the Fargo Public Library (major sponsor), and supported by Concordia Cultural Events, Friends of the West Fargo Public Library and the Friends of the Moorhead Library.

One Book, One Community Reading Challenge
Take on the 2023 One Book, One Community Reading Challenge by reading and completing activities related to this year's book in Beanstack. Free and open to readers ages 13 and older, the reading challenge runs from Aug. 1, through Oct. 31. Visit fargolibrary.beanstack.org/reader365 to get started.
Or, download the Beanstack app:
• Apple Store
• Google Play

All One Book, One Community events are free and open to the public.

This project is made possible in part with funding from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund (Major Sponsor), Lake Agassiz Regional Library (Major Sponsor), and the Friends of the Fargo Public Library (Major Sponsor). Additional support provided by Concordia Cultural Events, Moorhead Community Education, Friends of the West Fargo Public Library and the Friends of the Moorhead Library.

Partner organizations for the 2023 One Book, One Community reading project: Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo public libraries, Concordia College’s Carl B. Ylvisaker Library, Minnesota State University Moorhead’s Livingston Lord Library, North Dakota State University Libraries and the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County.

Plant Swap Set for Sept. 25 at the Dr. James Carlson Library

Join us for a Library-hosted houseplant swap at the Dr. James Carlson Library. Be a part of our local plant-loving community and share your love of plants for the home or garden with others. Participants are asked to bring in houseplants or garden plants to trade or share. This could be divided perennials or houseplants, small started plants, propagated slips, harvested seeds, or leftover produce from your harvest. Don’t have anything to bring? That’s okay! Everyone will go home with something new. From new gardeners to veteran gardeners, all are welcome to attend. Contact Drea at 701.241.1472 for details.
Monday, Sept. 25 – Dr. James Carlson Library at 6 p.m.

Fall Community Game Nights at the Northport Library

Bring your friends and family to our new Community Game Night! A librarian will introduce one game each session as a feature, however a variety of tabletop games will be provided at each Game Night. Participants are also encouraged to bring a favorite game they would like to share. All tabletop gaming experience levels are welcome. Game Nights are scheduled for the 1st Monday of the month at the Northport Library. Snacks will be provided. These sessions are recommended for ages 16+ and no registration is required.
Upcoming dates:
Monday, Sept. 4 – No Game Night; the Library is closed for Labor Day
1st Mondays at the Northport Library from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 2, Nov. 6, and Dec. 4

Community Options Provides Monthly Walk-in Help Sessions at both the Main Library and the Dr. James Carlson Library

Staff from the Fargo office of Community Options will be at Fargo Public Library to assist residents in learning about the variety of services they offer, including case management, care coordination, education, housing, peer support, and more. These walk-in sessions will be available to the general public at two both the Main Library and the Dr. James Carlson Library.

Community Options is a human service provider with multiple locations across North Dakota, dedicated to supporting people through individual choice, in order to help individuals to live a lifestyle which gives dignity and respect. More information is available at https://www.communityoptionsnd.com/
• Community Options staff will be at the Dr. James Carlson Library from 2 to 4 p.m. on the 1st Tuesday of each month.
Upcoming dates:
Oct. 3, Nov. 7, and Dec. 5 – Dr. James Carlson Library from 2 to 4 p.m.

• Community Options representatives will be at the downtown Main Library from 2 to 4 p.m. on the 3rd Tuesday of each month.
Upcoming dates:
Oct. 17, Nov. 21, and Dec. 19 – Main Library from 2 to 4 p.m.

Volunteer Thursdays at the Library Learning Garden Plots

It is time to get the seeds and plants in the soil and watered for the growing season! Growing Together, a local community garden group, and the library are partnering to plant, maintain, and harvest the Library Learning garden plots located near the Dr. James Carlson Library. No gardening experience is necessary, and all ages are welcome. Gardening sessions will continue weekly on Thursdays starting at 10 a.m. throughout the summer and early fall. These sessions are a wonderful way to learn about gardening, be active, and experience the many additional benefits of community gardening. For more information, contact Lori West at 701.476.5977 or at lwest@fargolibrary.org.
Upcoming Gardening Days: (weather permitting)
Thursdays at the Dr. James Carlson Library at 10 a.m.
Sept. 21, and 28

ND Job Service Provides Monthly Walk-in Help Sessions at both the Main Library and the Dr. James Carlson Library

ND Job Service staff visits the Fargo Public Library on certain days to provide job-seeking support, training program information, unemployment assistance, and more to the library patrons. These walk-in sessions will be available to the general public at both the Main Library and the Dr. James Carlson Library.
• ND Job Service staff will be at the Dr. James Carlson Library from 2 to 4 p.m. on the 1st Tuesday of each month.
Upcoming dates:
Oct. 3 and Nov. 7 – Dr. James Carlson Library from 2 to 4 p.m.

• ND Job Service staff will be at the Main Library from 2 to 4 p.m. on the 3rd Tuesday of each month.
Upcoming dates:
Oct. 17, and Nov. 21 – Main Library from 2 to 4 p.m.

• ND Job Service staff will be available to offer:
• Job seeking assistance
• Veteran's services
• Information on training programs
• Resume building assistance
• Limited unemployment insurance assistance
• Migrant and seasonal farmworker services
Learn more about the services offered by Job Service North Dakota at https://www.jobsnd.com/

Jigsaw Puzzle Socials Planned for Fall at the Main Library

Calling all puzzle lovers! Do you have lots of puzzles just taking up space in your closet? Do you want to meet other jigsaw puzzle enthusiasts? Let's work on a puzzle together while chatting and making friends. We’ll have puzzles available or you are welcome to bring some to swap. No registration is required. These sessions are recommended for adults and teens(16+). Snacks and beverages will be provided. Contact Christina at 701.241.8199 for details.
Saturdays at the Main Library at 9 a.m.
Oct. 21, Nov. 18, and Dec. 16

Ongoing Adult Events

Tech Help Sessions at the Dr. James Carlson Library on Tuesdays

Tech Help is offered weekly at the Dr. James Carlson Library Branch. Each Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. our tech expert staff are available in the Christianson Conference Room for one-on-one assistance with technology issues. Need help with getting connected to ebooks? Can’t quite understand your new “smart” device? Struggling with questions with such programs as Word or Excel? Call the Dr. James Carlson Adult Services Desk at 701.476.5980 to register for a 30-minute session. Drop-ins will be accepted based on availability of staff.
Upcoming Tech Help session dates at the Dr. James Carlson Library (Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.):
Sept. 26; Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31

Tech Help Sessions at the Main Library on Wednesday Afternoons

Do you have difficulty with your phone, laptop, or tablet? Were computer basics just not taught when you were in school?
Our librarians are ready to help you, one-on-one, with your technology questions on Wednesday afternoons from 3 to 5 p.m. Call 701.241.1492 for an appointment or you may drop in at the Main Library Community Room (if time slots are still available). Please note: When attending Tech Help, please bring your device – laptop, smartphone, eReader, etc. – with you.
Upcoming Tech Help session dates at the Main Library (Wednesdays from 3 to 5 p.m.):
Sept. 27; Oct. 4, 11, 18, and 25

Yoga for Beginners at the Dr. James Carlson Library

Yoga for Beginners is geared for those who haven’t tried yoga before or who want a refresher. Along with gentle stretching, this class will teach breathing exercises to provide calmness. Bring a yoga mat if you have one or a large towel and wear comfortable clothing that is easy to move in. This program is for adults. Fall classes are held most Thursday evenings at 6 p.m., at the Dr. James Carlson Library. Contact Lori W. at 701.476.5977 with questions.
Upcoming dates:
Sept. 21, and 28; Oct. 5, 12, 19, and 26

Online Book Parties

It’s like a book club, but you can read whatever you want! Chat about the books you've been reading recently. Or, find out what our librarians recommend. No registration is required. We will meet online on the library's Facebook page to discuss all things books. Contact Megan at 701.241.1492 for details.
Upcoming dates:
Thursday, Sept. 21 – ONLINE on Facebook at 7 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 19 – ONLINE on Facebook at 7 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 16 – ONLINE on Facebook at 7 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 21 – ONLINE on Facebook at 7 p.m.

Chess Club at the Main Library

All area kids, teens, and adults are invited to be part of the library's Chess Club. Whether you are an expert or are new to the game, chess players of all ages and abilities are invited to join. Chess Club meets Tuesday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Dawson Conference Room at the downtown Main Library. Newcomers and novice chess players are welcome. Local chess expert Joe McNamara will facilitate and lead the sessions. The library’s Chess Club is free and open to all ages; registration is not required. Adults must accompany children under 10 years old. For more information about this or any other Fargo Public Library program, please call Lori West at 701.476.5977.

Dial-a Story Available

If you ever wish you could have a story, a poem, or even a Shakespearean monologue read to you at any time, day or night, now you can. Call the Library’s Dial-A-Story line at 701.298.6927 anytime to listen to a short story, poem, Shakespearean monologue, or children's story. New recordings are available every Monday. Selections are recorded by Library Outreach Staff and are 3 to 5 minutes in length. Dial-A-Story can be accessed from 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.

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