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.
NDSU Community Lecture Series: The Architecture of Denby Deegan, Surrounded by Enemy
Join us to learn about the architecture of Denby Deegan, Surrounded by Enemy, with Jennifer Brandel, architect and former faculty member at NDSU, and Lisa Eggebraaten, NDSU Librarian. Deegan (1941-2018), Surrounded by Enemy, was a member of North Dakota’s Three Affiliated Tribes, and in 1965, Deegan earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree and a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from North Dakota State University. In 2021, NDSU Archives accepted Deegan's collection for long- term preservation. The exhibit showcases just a few of his projects in North Dakota. Each project reflects his dedication to celebrating Native American heritage. Registration is not required for this free lecture. Contact Lori at 701.476.5977 for details.
Saturday, Nov. 23 – Main Library at 2 p.m.
The Architecture of Denby Deegan exhibit will be at the Main Library throughout the month of November.
"Silent" Reading Parties
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:
Thursday, Dec. 12 – The Troll Lounge* at 4:30 p.m.
* Please note: Silent Reading Party events are for adults (21+).
ND Job Service at the Main Library
North Dakota Job Service Staff will be at the 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: Dec. 17
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.
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.
Tuesdays – Dr. James Carlson Library from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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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.
Wednesdays – Main Library from 3 to 5 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.
Dec. 3, Jan. 7, Feb. 4, March 4, April 1, and May 6
• Select Saturdays at the Main Library at 9 a.m.
Dec. 21, Jan. 18, Feb. 15, March 15, April 19, and May 17
Community Game Nights at the Northport Library
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.
Dec. 2, Jan. 6, Feb. 3, March 3, April 7, and May 5
2nd Wednesdays at the Dr. James Carlson Library from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 8, Feb. 12, March 12, April 9, and May 14
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, Nov. 21 – ONLINE on Facebook at 7 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 19 – 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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