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 in library programs, we are happy to help to the best of our ability. Please contact us at accessibility@fargolibrary.org or call 701.241.1495 at least 3 business days in advance.
Unearth a Story: 2026 Summer Reading Challenge
Plan to take part in the Unearth a Story 2026 Summer Reading Challenge happening June 8 through August 15, 2026. Participants of all ages are encouraged to read anything: books, ebooks, comics, and by listening to audiobooks! Track number of days read for kids, teens and adults through the Beanstack app or website. Earn prizes along the way and complete the challenge for a chance to win one of our grand prizes.
Designed for adults age 18 and up to encourage life-long reading and learning habits. Adults can complete the challenge by reading physical books or ebooks, or listening to audiobooks. We encourage adults to read every day and log their reading* in Beanstack. Adults will receive a small prize for completing the summer reading challenge, and will be entered into the grand prize drawing which will be held after August 15. * Paper reading logs for Adults are available at all library locations.
Upcoming Events for Adults
Author Talk with Michael Miller Set for August 1
Join writer Michael Miller as he talks about the historical research and writing process for his 2023 fiction book "High Bridge." Set in mid-nineteenth century Fayetteville, NY, High Bridge tells the imagined intertwined stories of two real people, the future president Grover Cleveland and suffragist Matilda Joslyn Gage. Come learn about these American icons who carried what they learned in Upstate New York to the Dakotas. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.
Saturday, Aug. 1 – Main Library at 1 p.m.
Teddy's Tales with Theodore Roosevelt Reprisor John Dobmeier
Join us as Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States, is performed by John Dobmeier in a Chautauqua-style performance. Dobmeier, a noted Theodore Roosevelt re-enactor, is a regular contributor to the Badlands Chautauqua in Medora, and last year performed at Sagamore Hill in Long Island, New York. All ages are welcome to this interactive, educational “living history” event focusing on Theodore Roosevelt’s time in North Dakota.
Thursday, Aug. 13 – Main Library at 6:30 p.m.
Silent Reading Parties for Summer
B.Y.O.Book or check out a librarian-selected title. Enjoy a good book & a good beverage along with others who appreciate the same. Librarians will be on hand to provide snacks, reading suggestions, set up library accounts & check out books. Note: Unless stated, these are 21+ events.
Upcoming dates and locations:
Sunday, Aug. 2 – Drekker Brewing (1666 1st Ave. M.) from 2 to 4 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 26 – Bear Creek Winery (8800 25th St. S.) from 5 to 7 p.m.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Summer Tournament Set for August 22
Engage in friendly multiplayer competition in a Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Tournament for the Nintendo Switch at the library! Jr. Bracket (Open to players 13 years old and younger) and Sr. Bracket (Open to players 14 years old and older). 150CC, Round Robin, CPUs on. Player Limit per bracket may be enforced based on attendance. A limited amount of controllers are available, and players are highly encouraged to bring their own. Space is limited; pre-registration is required for players* and opens Aug. 1. Prizes awarded for 1st through 4th place winners. Adults must accompany children under 10 years old. *Registration is required for tournament participants and can be done online. Friends, family, and spectators are welcome and do not have to register. Contact Abby at 701.241.1472 for further details.
Saturday, Aug. 22 – Main Library
• Jr. Bracket – Starts at 10 a.m. (13 and under)
• Sr. Bracket – Starts at 1 p.m. (14 and up)
Magic The Gathering Commander Event Set for August 29
Join us at the downtown Main Library for a Magic the Gathering Commander Day event. Players will get to open Jumpstart packs and play against others in draft-style games. Whether you are a veteran MTG player or a more recent player, all are welcome.
How it works: Each player will receive two, 20-card Jumpstart packs. You'll combine the cards from each pack, create a 40-card deck, and face off against other attendees for a chance to win prizes! After the games are done, you get to keep the cards!
Space is limited; pre-registration is required. Adults must accompany children under 10 years old. For further details, contact Marcos at 701.241.1472.
Saturday, Aug. 29 – Main Library at 1 p.m.
Summer Mario Kart Club
Engage in friendly multiplayer competition in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the Nintendo Switch at the Fargo Public Library! Learn tips and secrets from some Mario Kart veterans. Mario Kart Club meets Monday evenings this summer from 5:30 to 7:45 p.m. in the Community Room at the downtown Main Library. All ages and skill levels welcome. A limited amount of Switch systems, copies of the game and controllers are available but players are highly encouraged to bring their own. No registration is required. Adults must accompany children under 10 years old. For details contact Abby at 701.241.1472.
Mondays (through Aug. 17) – Main Library from 5:30 to 7:45 p.m.
Weekly Library Learning Garden Maintenance Sessions
Weekly garden maintenance sessions are scheduled on Thursdays at 10 a.m. from June 11 through September outside at the Dr. James Carlson Library location. No registration is required for the weekly garden maintenance sessions. For more information, contact Nancy Jones at nkjones@fargolibrary.org.
Thursdays (through Sept. 24) – Dr. James Carlson Library at 10 a.m.
Virtual (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 for your To Be Read pile. 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. 20 – ONLINE on Facebook at 7 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 17 – ONLINE on Facebook at 7 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 15 – ONLINE on Facebook at 7 p.m.
ND Job Service Walk-In Sessions 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: August 18
Community Options Walk-In Sessions at the Main Library
Staff from the Fargo office of Community Options will be at the downtown Main Library on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 2 to 4 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Meet staff and 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/
Upcoming dates: August 18
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. Community Game Nights are 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.
Aug. 3 and Oct. 5 (No Game Night in September due to the Labor Day holiday.)
3rd Wednesdays at the Dr. James Carlson Library from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 19, Sept. 16, and Oct. 21
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 downtown Main Library at 9 a.m.
Aug. 15, Sept. 19, and Oct. 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? Our tech expert staff are available 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.
Call the Main Library Adult Services Desk at 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.
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 7:45 p.m.
2026 FPL Year-Long Reading Challenge Starts January 1, 2026
The Fargo Public Library is excited to announce the 2026 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, 2026.
To participate, complete prompts on the online BINGO card in Beanstack. Readers who complete a BINGO card will be entered into a 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 from our librarians.
To get started with the 2026 Reading Challenge, visit the Beanstack website. Or, download the Beanstack app:
• Apple Store
• Google Play
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