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.
2024 Summer Reading Challenge for Adults
Take part in the 2024 Adult Summer Reading Challenge at your Fargo Public Library! The theme is Adventure Begins at Your Library, and this free program for all ages runs from June 3 to August 17. Find all the details to get started on the Summer Reading Challenge page.
Navy Week Events Happening at Your Fargo Public Library
The Fargo Public Library is excited to once again host events during Fargo's Navy Week. Navy Weeks are the service's signature outreach program, designed to allow the citizens of Fargo to learn about the Navy, its people, and its importance to national security and prosperity. This will be the third time the Fargo Public Library has hosted Navy Week events. No registration is required and all Navy Week events are free & open to the public.
• Navy Week Events: Educational Displays
Learn more about the important work and history of the Navy when Sailors visit the library. Personnel from the Navy History and Heritage Command will be on hand to share about the deep ties between ND and the Navy; Sailors from the USS Constitution will talk about the oldest commissioned ship in the Navy, where they currently still serve; and personnel from the US Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command will inform visitors of the importance of atmospheric and oceanographic science and the overall value of STEM education to the Navy. Educational displays will be set up on the following dates at these library locations:
Wednesday, July 24 – Dr. James Carlson Library at 11 a.m.
Thursday, July 25 – Main Library at 10 a.m.
• Navy Week Events: Navy Band Great Lakes Brass Quintet
The library will host a concert featuring the Navy Band Great Lakes Brass Quintet. The free concert is open to all ages. No pre-registration is required to attend.
Wednesday, July 24 – Dr. James Carlson Library at 1 p.m.
• Navy Week Events: Sailors Read to Kids Storytime
Join us for a storytime featuring special guests, Navy Operational Support Center Sailors, who will share their favorite stories as well as talk to kids about what it’s like to serve in the Navy. This event is open to all ages, but is most appropriate for kids ages 3 to 7. No pre-registration is required to attend.
Thursday, July 25 – Main Library at 10 a.m.
New "Explore Our Parks" Walking Club
Explore the different parts of Fargo with meet-ups experiencing new trails during our Summer Reading Challenge! Every other week, walkers will meet at the beginning of a new trail, not at the library. No registration is required. For details, contact Megan at 701.476.6615.
Selected Saturdays at area parks from 10 – 11 a.m.; upcoming dates:
July 27 – Orchard Glen Park (900-992 Orchard Park Dr.)
Aug. 10 – Lindenwood Park (1905 Roger Maris Dr.)
New Mario Kart Club at the Main Library on Monday Evenings This Summer
Engage in friendly multiplayer competition in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the Nintendo Switch at the library this summer! Learn tips and secrets from some Mario Kart veterans too. Mario Kart Club meets Monday evenings this summer from June 17 through Aug. 26 at the downtown Main Library. Any age or skill level is welcome. A limited amount of Switch systems, copies of the game, and controllers are available, and players are highly encouraged to bring their own. The library’s Mario Kart Club is free and registration is not required. Adults must accompany children under 10 years old. For details, contact Shane at 701.241.1484
Monday evenings – Main Library from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Upcoming dates: July 22 and 29; Aug. 5, 12, 19, and 26
Summer "Silent" Reading Parties Planned
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. The BookBike may also be on hand at some of these events. No registration is required to attend the library's Silent Reading Parties. Contact Sarah at 701.241.8295.
Upcoming dates and locations:
Saturday, Aug. 3 – Bear Creek Winery* at 2 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 25 – at Drekker Brewing Co.* at 2 p.m.
* Please note: These events are for adults (21+).
Author Talk with Kao Kalia Yang Set for August 10
Join us for an author talk with Kao Kalia Yang, which includes a meet & greet with her, a book signing, and writing prompts for attendees. All ages are welcome at this free event, but this event is most appropriate for those age 13 and older. For details, contact Lori at 701.476.5977. This event is brought to you in partnership with the North Dakota Asian-American Arts and Cultural Initiative.
Saturday, Aug. 10 – Main Library at 10 a.m.
Weekly Gardening Sessions Are Thursday Mornings at the Dr. James Carlson Library
Gardening sessions continue weekly on Thursdays starting at 10 a.m. throughout the summer and early fall at the Library Learning Gardens. These sessions are a wonderful way to learn about gardening, be active, and experience the many additional benefits of community gardening. All ages are welcome (children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian) and no registration is required.
Thursday mornings – Dr. James Carlson Library at 10 a.m.
Ongoing Adult Events
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.
No yoga August 1
Tech Help Sessions at the Dr. James Carlson Library on Tuesdays and at the Main Library on Wednesdays
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.):
July 23 and 30; Aug. 6, 13, 20, and 27
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Our librarians are ready to help you, one-on-one, with your technology questions at the downtown Main Library 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, e-book reader, etc. – with you.
Upcoming Tech Help session dates at the Main Library (Wednesdays from 3 to 5 p.m.):
July 24 and 31; Aug. 7, 14, 21, and 28
Community Game Nights at the Northport Library
Join us for Community Game Night at the Northport Library. A variety of tabletop games will be provided, 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. Snacks will be provided. These sessions are recommended for ages 16+ and no registration is required.
Upcoming dates:
1st Mondays at the Northport Library from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
August 5; Oct. 7, Nov. 4, and Dec. 2
No Game Night Sept. 2; the library is closed.
Monthly Jigsaw Puzzle Socials 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.
Select Saturdays at the Main Library at 9 a.m.
August 17
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, Aug. 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.
The 2024 FPL Reading Challenge Runs Through Dec. 31, 2024
The Fargo Public Library is excited to introduce the 2024 Fargo Public Library Reading Challenge! This challenge is designed for adult 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, 2024. 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 2024 Reading Challenge, visit the Beanstack website. Or, download the Beanstack app:
• Apple Store
• Google Play
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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