Adult Programs & Events
We welcome adults of any age to join us for author events, instructional classes, workshops, 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.
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.
"Silent" Reading Party May 4
B.Y.O. Book or check out a librarian-selected title. Enjoy a good book and a beverage along with others who appreciate the same. Librarians will be on hand to provide snacks and reading suggestions, set up library accounts, and check out books. No registration is required to attend the library's Silent Reading Parties. For further details, contact Sarah at 701.241.8295.
Upcoming dates and locations:
Sunday, May 4 – Vampire Penguin at 2 p.m. ( All ages event)
* Please note: Silent Reading Party events are for adults (21+) unless listed otherwise.
Community Book Discussion of "The Anxious Generation" May 13 at the Dr. James Carlson Library
Join Fargo Public Schools educators and professionals for a community conversation about the 2024 book "The Anxious Generation" by Johnathan Haidt. This book covers the effects of cell phone and social media use on the mental health of students, and has inspired conversations and legislation related to youth smartphone and social media use. The first 70 attendees will receive a free copy of the book! For details contact Lori at 701.476.5977.
Tuesday, May 13 – Dr. James Carlson Library at 6 p.m.
Intro to Geocaching Event Set for May 17 at the Northport Library
Join us to learn all about geocaching – the global treasure hunt that is happening right in your own backyard. In this program, you will be introduced to the basics of geocaching. Then put your skills to the test as we search for hidden caches in the area. Whether you are a beginner or just curious, this program is a chance to connect with fellow adventurers and explore our community. Space is limited; registration is required and can be done online. For more information about this program, call Children’s Services at 701.241.1495.
Saturday, May 17 – Northport Library at 1 p.m.
Spring Plant Swap Is May 19 at the Dr. James Carlson Library
This community-minded Plant Swap is an opportunity to 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. These could be leftover garden plants, seed packets, divided perennials, divided houseplants, or propagated plants. Don’t have anything to bring? That’s okay! Everyone will go home with something new.
Monday, May 19 – Dr. James Carlson Library at 6 p.m.
Planting Day at the Library Learning Garden Set for Thursday, May 29
Time to get the seeds & plants in the soil for the growing season! Growing Together, a local garden group, and the Library are partnering to plant, maintain, & harvest the Library Learning Garden plots. No gardening experience is necessary, and all ages are welcome.
Planting Day 2025:
Thursday, May 29 – Dr. James Carlson Library (outside) at 10 a.m.
• Weekly garden maintenance sessions are scheduled subsequent Thursdays at 10 a.m. June through September.
ND Job Service at the Main Library
North Dakota Job Service Staff will be at the downtown Main Library on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 2 to 4 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Contact Beth at 701.241.1492 for details.
ND Job Service staff will be on site to offer:
– Job seeker assistance
– Veteran's services
– Information on training programs
– Resume building assistance
– Migrant and seasonal farm worker services
Learn more about the services offered by Job Service North Dakota at https://www.jobsnd.com/
Upcoming dates: May 20, June 17, July 15, and August 19
Community Options Walk-In Sessions
Meet with staff from the Fargo office of Community Options to learn about the variety of services they offer, including case management, education, housing, and peer support. Community Options will also provide Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Application Assistance during the winter months. More information at https://www.communityoptionsnd.com/
• Meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month at the Dr. James Carlson Library from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month at the downtown Main Library from 2 to 4 p.m.
Upcoming Date: May 20
• Summer sessions will meet the 3rd Tuesday of the month at the Dr. James Carlson Library from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Upcoming Dates: June 17, July 15 and August 19
Ongoing Adult Programs and Events
Community Game Nights
Join us for Community Game Nights at the library. A variety of tabletop games will be provided at each session, and 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. Starting in January, Community Game Nights will be offered on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Dr. James Carlson Library. Snacks will be provided. These sessions are recommended for ages 16+ and families are welcome. No registration is required.
Upcoming dates:
1st Mondays at the Northport Library from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
May 5, June 2, July 7 and August 4
2nd Wednesdays at the Dr. James Carlson Library from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
May 14, June 11, July 9 and August 13
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.
Thursday evenings – Dr. James Carlson Library at 6 p.m.
Monthly Jigsaw Puzzle Socials at the Main Library and the Dr. James Carlson 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.
• Select Tuesdays at the Dr. James Carlson Library at 5 p.m.
May 6
• Select Saturdays at the downtown Main Library at 9 a.m.
May 17
Tech Help Sessions at the Dr. James Carlson Library on Tuesdays and at the Main Library on Wednesdays
Tech Help is offered weekly at both the Dr. James Carlson Library Branch and the downtown Main Library. 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?
Tech Help is offered each Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Dr. James Carlson Library. Our tech expert staff are available in the Christianson Conference Room for one-on-one assistance with technology issues. 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.
Tuesdays – Dr. James Carlson Library from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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Tech Help is offered each Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. at the downtown Main Library. Our librarians are ready to help you, one-on-one, with your technology questions. Call 701.241.1492 for an appointment, or you may drop in at the Main Library Community Room (if time slots are still available).
Wednesdays – Main Library from 3 to 5 p.m.
Please note: When attending Tech Help, please bring your device – laptop, smartphone, e-book reader, etc. – with you.
Virtual 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 meet online on the library's Facebook page to discuss all things books. Contact Megan at 701.241.1492 for details.
Upcoming dates:
Thursday, May 15 – 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.
Tuesday evenings – Main Library from 5 to 8 p.m.
2025 FPL Reading Challenge Starts January 1, 2025
The Fargo Public Library is excited to announce the 2025 Fargo Public Library Reading Challenge! This challenge is designed for adult and older teen (16+)readers who are looking to add fun, discover a new favorite, or have a little extra motivation for reading during the year. Registration is open and participation starts January 1 in Beanstack. The challenge runs through Dec. 31, 2025. Throughout the year, participants complete any of the 12 reading prompts by keeping track and entering the title of what you read in Beanstack. Participants who complete 10 of the 12 prompts will be entered to win a grand prize drawing at the end of the year. If you need recommendations for the reading prompts, contact the Main Library's Information Desk at 701.241.1492 or email askreference@fargolibrary.org to request title suggestions.
To get started with the 2025 Reading Challenge, visit the Beanstack website. Or, download the Beanstack app:
• Apple Store
• Google PlayDetails about the year-long 2025 Reading Challenge for adults and older teens(16+) coming soon.
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
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